The Non-GMO Project is the driving force behind North America's most trusted third-party verification for non-genetically modified products. While the iconic butterfly label is familiar to many shoppers, the structure and leadership behind the organization are often less well-known. This multi-layered structure involves a founding team, a governing board, a Chief Executive, dedicated staff, and a network of independent certification bodies, all working together to ensure the integrity of the non-GMO food supply.
The Organizational Structure of the Non-GMO Project
The Non-GMO Project is structured as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This designation means it is organized for a purpose other than generating a profit for its members, with any revenue reinvested into its mission-driven work. The organizational design is hierarchical but also relies on external partnerships for its core functions.
Key Leadership: Founder and CEO Megan Westgate
At the helm of the organization is Founder and CEO Megan Westgate. Westgate has been with the organization since its inception in 2006 and is responsible for its overall direction, mission, and long-term strategy. Her leadership has been instrumental in growing the project and establishing the 'Butterfly' seal as a widely recognized and respected mark in the retail sector.
The Governing Body: Board of Directors
The Non-GMO Project's ultimate decision-making authority and legal responsibility lie with its Board of Directors. This board is comprised of industry leaders, including retailers, academics, and consultants, ensuring a balanced representation of perspectives. The board oversees governance and strategy, holding final authority for the organization, and is elected for three-year terms.
The Day-to-Day Operations: Staff
Based in Bellingham, Washington, the Non-GMO Project's staff manages the organization's day-to-day operations. The staff is organized into different departments, with executives overseeing specific areas such as marketing, business strategy, and finance. This internal team works on consumer education, marketing support for verified brands, and developing the Non-GMO Project Standard.
The Verification Process: Independent Technical Administrators
For the verification process itself, the Non-GMO Project relies on independent, third-party Technical Administrators (TAs). These are separate certification companies that assess products and manufacturing facilities for compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard. The TAs conduct on-site inspections, review documentation, and perform risk assessments, ensuring unbiased, rigorous verification.
Comparison of Roles: Internal vs. External Oversight
To understand how the Non-GMO Project is run, it is useful to see how internal and external roles interact in its governance and operation.
| Role | Reporting Structure | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| CEO (Megan Westgate) | Reports to the Board of Directors | Leads strategic direction, manages day-to-day operations with staff. |
| Board of Directors | Governing Body, with oversight of CEO | Holds legal and financial responsibility, makes final decisions. |
| Non-GMO Project Staff | Reports to CEO and other executives | Manages internal operations, marketing, and standards development. |
| Technical Administrators | External, independent certifiers | Conducts third-party evaluations, audits, and compliance checks. |
The Non-GMO Project's Collaborative Ecosystem
The project is not run in isolation but through a collaborative ecosystem that has evolved since its founding by two natural food retailers, The Natural Grocery Company and The Big Carrot. The Non-GMO Project Standard is a consensus-based document, crafted with input from various stakeholder groups, including retailers, producers, and scientists. This collaboration helps ensure the standard is dynamic and reflects a wide range of perspectives.
Controversies and Consumer Awareness
Despite its success, the Non-GMO Project has faced some criticism, mainly regarding its verification of products that have no existing GMO equivalent, such as salt or oats. The organization justifies this practice by highlighting the risk of additives or processing aids derived from GMOs that could enter the supply chain. Acknowledging that public and scientific perceptions of GMOs can differ, the project emphasizes its goal of providing informed choice to consumers, regardless of the broader scientific consensus on safety.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Non-GMO Project is a multifaceted organization run by a combination of internal leadership and external verification. Founder and CEO Megan Westgate spearheads the mission, with a Board of Directors providing governance and oversight. The daily work is handled by dedicated staff, while independent third-party Technical Administrators ensure rigorous verification. This structure allows the Non-GMO Project to maintain a powerful and trusted market presence, providing consumers with verifiable non-GMO choices through its collaborative, non-profit model. For more information, you can visit their official website The Non-GMO Project.
