A group of farmers has accused The Dannon Company of using deceptive marketing claims on its new products made from non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients.
Representing various ranchers, corn, soybean, beet sugar and dairy farmers, the coalition through a letter said that Dannon’s marketing campaign was not only misleading customers about GMOs but also harming sustainable farming.
Dannon, which is the US subsidiary of Danone, has hit back to the accusations, calling them as divisive and misinformed. The yogurt maker also said that sustainable agricultural practices can be achieved irrespective of the usage of GMO ingredients.
The farmers’ coalition had earlier called Dannon’s strategy to get rid of GMOs to be the exact opposite of sustainable agriculture.
Its letter to Dannon read: “Your pledge would force farmers to abandon safe, sustainable farming practices that have enhanced farm productivity over the last 20 years while greatly reducing the carbon footprint of American agriculture."
Dannon CEO Mariano Lozano to whom the letter was written, in reply, said: "We believe strongly that the unparalleled range of choice that Danone's US affiliates provide, from organic, to non-GMO ingredients, and to conventional dairy is a reason to celebrate rather than criticize.”
In April end, the yogurt maker claimed that it was committed to sustainable agriculture while bringing all products from its three flagship brands Dannon, Oikos and Danimals free from GMO ingredients within three years.
It also announced that it would ensure that the feed of its farmer’s cows associated with the three brands will be non-GMO in the same time span.
The farmers’ coalition in its letter had criticized Dannon of indulging in marketing gimmicks as it was not improving the actual product it is offering to customers.
National Milk Producers Federation chairman Randy Mooney said: "This is just marketing puffery, not any true innovation that improves the actual product offered to consumers."