According to the US government, GMOs are present in at least 70% of grocery store products. This widespread GMO saturation raises global concerns over food sovereignty, biodiversity and transparency in food labeling. Around the world, a growing network of organizations, advocates and food producers is working together to preserve biodiversity, maintain transparent labeling and defend food sovereignty. 

The Non-GMO Project is at the heart of the natural products movement in the US, but our efforts don't exist in isolation. We work alongside numerous partners and independent actors who serve as guardians of the natural food system. 

What Is a GMO?

In 2024, the Non-GMO Project team travelled to Frankfurt, Germany, to attend the International Non-GMO Summit, which featured 160 representatives from 23 countries. The Non-GMO Project's Director of Mission & Messaging, Hans Eisenbeis, described the gathering as "a global network of people working to protect shoppers' rights to informed choice and non-GMO supply webs in a global environment of deregulation, persistent industrialization, resurgent colonialism and biotech greenwashing." 

Why international non-GMO advocacy matters

GMOs are an international issue. Integrated supply chains, GMO contamination and a climate of deregulation highlight the necessity of a global effort to protect your right to choose whether or not to consume GMOs.  

As GMO deregulation continues worldwide, the following organizations recognize that advocacy for resilient farming systems, which are non-GMO, organic and regenerative, is essential. Their collaboration brings together diverse expertise to address local challenges while maintaining a global perspective. 

Global organizations leading the charge

North America

• Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) — As an umbrella organization coordinating 15 groups across Canada, CBAN brings together farmers' associations, environmental organizations and social justice coalitions. Their work focuses on research, monitoring and raising awareness about genetic engineering in food and farming systems.
  
  CBAN's mission addresses local and global concerns: "To promote food sovereignty and democratic decision-making on science and technology issues in order to protect the integrity of the environment, health, food, and the livelihoods of people in Canada and around the world."
  
  
• Sin Maíz No Hay País (Without Corn There Is No Country) — Emerging in 2007 in response to Mexico's agricultural crisis, Sin Maíz No Hay País is a coalition of over 300 organizations advocating for policies supporting Mexican farmers who struggled to compete with subsidized US corn imports. The organization's name reflects corn's central importance to Mexican culture and food sovereignty.
  
  The campaign began during Mexico's "tortilla crisis," which highlighted vulnerabilities in the nation's food supply. Over time, it has become a touchstone for diverse stakeholders, including producers, human rights advocates, environmentalists, and consumers working to defend food sovereignty and revitalize rural communities.

Europe

Historically, Europe maintained a stronger position against GMOs by embracing the precautionary principle. However, new genomic techniques, also known as NGTs or new GMOs, are challenging existing regulatory frameworks. The threats to non-GMO and organic supply chains make international collaboration imperative.

• VLOG (Association for Food without Genetic Engineering) — Based in Germany but active across Europe and internationally, VLOG awards the "Ohne GenTechnik" (Without Genetic Engineering) seal for food products and the "VLOG geprüft" (VLOG tested) certification for animal feed. Its membership spans the entire food chain, including farmers, processors, manufacturers, traders, laboratories and certification bodies.
• ARGE Gentechnik-frei — This Austrian organization awards the Austrian "Ohne GenTechnik" seal and works throughout the European Union to maintain strong non-GMO standards.
• European Non-GMO Association (ENGA) — As the voice of non-GMO food and feed sectors in Europe, ENGA advocates for strong regulation of both conventional and newer GMO technologies.
• Donau Soja — With a specialized focus on sustainable European soya production, Donau Soja works toward "a sustainable, safe and European protein supply," by addressing one of the most common GMO crops: soybeans. 

Asia

• Consumers Union of Japan — Working for food safety and biodiversity protection, the Consumers Union of Japan collaborates with several partner organizations, including the Citizens' Biotechnology Information Center, the No! GMO Foods Campaign and the OK Seed Project. 

International organizations 

• ProTerra Foundation — Established in 2012 in the Netherlands, the ProTerra Foundation certifies non-genetically modified soy producers and supply chain operators. The foundation brings together stakeholders from both Europe and South America, bridging continental divides in the non-GMO movement.
• La Via Campesina — This international movement, founded in 1993, represents approximately 200 million small-scale food producers through 182 organizations across 81 countries. Its diverse membership includes peasants, landless workers, indigenous peoples, pastoralists, fishers, migrant farmworkers, small and medium-scale farmers, rural women, and youth.
  
  La Via Campesina opposes corporate control of food systems that marginalize smallholder producers and destroy traditional agricultural practices. The organization emphasizes that the breakdown of local and regional food systems reduces resilience to disruptions and threatens food security.

The organizations listed above represent some, but not all, of the many groups working globally to preserve the non-GMO food supply. However, this list is not exhaustive. Emerging grassroots organizations, industry partners, retailers and food brands — made up of people like you — are all critical parts of the collective effort to resist corporate biotechnology in our food.

Learn more about GMOs and corporate control of the food system

The power of global cooperation

The international non-GMO movement demonstrates that preserving traditional food systems isn't merely about opposing technology — it's about protecting biodiversity, cultural heritage, food sovereignty and resilient agricultural practices that can withstand environmental and economic challenges.

As new genetic engineering technologies emerge and regulatory landscapes shift, this global network of non-GMO advocates continues to adapt, collaborate and strengthen their collective impact on the future of food.

Join the movement to build a non-GMO future

Through organizations like these, shoppers and eaters worldwide benefit from increased transparency, farmers receive support for sustainable practices and communities regain control over their food systems. You can be part of this global effort to protect biodiversity, food sovereignty and natural food systems. Here's how:

• Stay informed and engaged — Follow the featured non-GMO advocacy organizations on social media.
• Vote with your dollars — When shopping, choose third-party certified products, such as those bearing the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, to support a transparent and sustainable food supply. 
• Stay in touch — Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates, action alerts and resources to help you make informed choices. 

Together, our everyday actions can fuel a resilient, non-GMO future for all.