Episode 52: Megan Westgate and Linda Cognato of The Non GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to building and protecting a non-GMO food supply.

Non-GMO Project Verified https://www.nongmoproject.org remains the market leader for GMO avoidance and one of the fastest growing labels in the retail sector.

The Non-GMO Project Standard is a consensus-based document crafted with the insight from dozens of industry experts, reflecting a dynamic range of perspectives. In a world of shifting and quickly developed technologies, the Standard remains current and collaborative through ongoing public comment periods. 

Because of this collaboration with engaged stakeholder groups, Non-GMO Project Verified is a meaningful and achievable way for suppliers, brands and retailers to show their commitment to providing consumers transparent choice in the marketplace.

A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. Genetic modification affects many of the products we consume on a daily basis. As the number of GMOs available for commercial use grows every year, the Non-GMO Project works diligently to provide the most accurate, up-to-date standards for non-GMO verification.

Megan Westgate is Executive Director and Founder of the Non GMO Project. Linda Cognato is Research Analyst for the Non GMO Project.

Disclosure: Errol Schweizer, Host of The Checkout, is a Board Member and longtime ally of The Non GMO Project.

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Episode #52 Notes

1:00 - What are GMOs?

5:25 - On the prevalence of GMOs.

11:00 - Gene editing vs. gene silencing.

14:30 - Private sector, financing, and GMOs.

19:00 - What’s the motivation to bring new GMOs to market?

24:30 - Labelling for GMOs.

29:00 - On The Non GMO Project.

35:30 - How do folks become Non GMO certified? How easy or difficult is it?

38:45 - Certified Organic & Non GMO; differences and similarities.

45:00 - Social justice and equity in and around the Non GMO Project.

58:20 - Book Recommendations!

Monocultures of The Mind, Vandana Shiva

GMO Myths and Truths, John Fagan

To Speak for The Trees, Diana Beresford-Kroeger

The Gene: An Intimate History, Siddartha Mukherjee