The company also recently sent five farmers to Japan to learn about market demands there. It is expected to become more common for farmers to produce for a specific end-user. Cargill's acquisition of Continental Grain Co.'s Commodity Marketing Group last year provides assets such as grain elevators that will make it easier to implement identity preservation, Neal said. Cunningham said the demand for non-GMO crops probably will last a few more years and then subside. One reason the issue is important now is that the first genetic modifications have benefited farmers by making the crops easier to grow, he said.
Consumers see no direct benefits and focus on potential harmful effects.
That will change, Neal said. Among the output traits predicted by industry experts are soybeans with more vitamin E and more-nutritious rice that will help feed poor people in Asia and Africa. Crops may be produced without trans-fatty acids harmful to health. Some corn varieties may be genetically engineered with an amino acid profile suited especially for chickens, while another will be designed for hogs. Cargill is in almost daily contact with customers to find out what specific needs they have, Neal said.