GMO and Cross Pollination


Flowering plant species must transfer pollen from one plant to another in order to form seeds and reproduce. This incredible process involves a range of biological and environmental factors and, when manipulated, can have enormous effects on our food supply.

GMO and Cross Pollination

Cross pollination, also called allogamy, involves the movement of pollen from one flowering plant to another. This does not include self-pollination, where pollen moves between parts of the same plant. Cross-pollination occurs through pollinators and wind (sometimes called pollen entrainment) and can lead to cross-contamination in the case of GMO and non-GMO plants.

Cross-contamination typically occurs when pollen from a farmer's genetically modified crops is transported to neighboring non-GMO fields. The crop most affected by cross-contamination is maize, as it is a monoecious crop with male and female flowers forming on different parts of the same plant and causing a high degree of cross-pollination.

Contamination by cross-pollination affects not only non-GMO products, but also organic products. As many as one-third of organic corn loads test positive for GMOs at a low level. Similar issues with soy are becoming more common (Non-GMO Report). The Non-GMO Project validation process includes separation and traceability measures and ongoing testing for major GMO high-risk ingredients such as corn and soybean to ensure products are truly non-GMO.

Do not hesitate to contact our expert team to get detailed information about the GMO Free and NON GMO label and certification, or to apply for certification.