Now that we have a national GMO label law, let's look ahead

Now that the U.S. government has passed national labeling legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), it's time to turn the page and look ahead.

Today, more and more consumers make decisions about what they eat based on their values, lifestyles and personal health preferences. Those of us in the agriculture, food and nutrition business need to acknowledge that. It's up to us to better tell the story of food. We haven't always done that very well.

The new GMO labeling law is an important step forward. Products containing GMO ingredients will carry either a plain-language notice, a recognizable symbol or a scannable link that leads people to an online disclosure. With these rules on the books, we now have the opportunity to create clarity and have a more thoughtful dialogue about the choices consumers make when they buy their food.

Cargill is one of the largest food and agriculture companies in the world. We partner with many of the largest — and smallest — food makers, and with millions of farmers in dozens of countries. We have a good vantage point on the challenges and opportunities ahead, and there is still much to be done.

First and foremost, we need to make sure the new legislation is implemented in ways that are most useful to consumers. Cargill stands ready to support that effort.

Now that we have a national standard for GMO labeling, we also need clear and consistent rules for non-GMO claims on food packaging. These claims are an important tool for food companies serving that growing market segment. Without a national standard, anybody can make up the rules. That results in too many gray areas and — understandably — distrust on the part of consumers. We need to start tackling that ambiguity.

While GMOs have been proven safe, they will remain a nonstarter for some consumers. We respect that. In fact, our company is building supply chains for non-GMO products so people can make their own choices for themselves and their families. We're currently expanding our non-GMO offerings in sweeteners, oils and animal feed.

Meanwhile, a great deal of promise lies in technology and "smart" food labels. Today, many shoppers arrive at the grocery store armed with a smartphone, and lawmakers wisely have taken that into account. Giving food companies the opportunity to disclose GMO ingredients with a scannable link on the package opens a great opportunity to create even more clarity for consumers.

We can envision a world where such easy-to-find links point to clear, consistent online statements of exactly what's in each product, and why — not only for GMOs, but also for other ingredients. You could even set your personal profile in accordance with your own preferences, and let your phone select — and remember for next time — the products you want without cumbersome research every time you go to the store. The potential of that idea is compelling.

The new law is about helping consumers make informed choices. But all choices have consequences. While we think about how we can satisfy personal preferences, we shouldn't forget the bigger challenge ahead. We must feed at least 9 billion people by 2050, do it in a sustainable manner, and deal with hunger and obesity at the same time — often in the same places. To do that, we'll need all of the options on the table.

In the end, we need to respect people's choices about what they eat. The debates about food aren't over — and that's a good thing. But now that the GMO legislation is on the books, let's turn the page and talk about how we can make decisions in a more informed way to solve the challenges ahead.