Members of the public, meanwhile, have until Feb. 27 to comment on USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plans to approve non regulated status for both the herbicide 2,4-D-resistant corn and a soybean genetically engineered by Monsanto Co. to produce an omega-3 fatty acid.

Trying to stem the tide of these and other GM seed crops from flowing into the food chain is a major issue for organic food producers, said Shakra.

In part, that's because the increased use of GM seeds for crops such as corn and soybeans makes it difficult if not impossible for neighboring organic farms to avoid contamination via airborne pollen and other factors. And organic crops that have somehow become crossed with GM varieties can no longer be labeled or sold as "organic," Shakra said.