SunOpta, Inc. on May 18 said its food manufacturing facility in Hope, Minn., has received U.S. Department of Agriculture Process Verified Program (PVP) verification for non-genetically modified organisms/non-genetically engineered products. The U.S.D.A. approval is for production of non-bioengineered/non-G.M.O. food-grade soybeans and corn.

“Becoming the first PVP-verified non-G.M.O. food manufacturing facility in the United States is a great honor for SunOpta and consistent with our commitment to non-G.M.O. and organic food products, which are in high demand with today’s consumers,” said Steve Bromley, chief executive officer of SunOpta. “Having U.S.D.A. verify that we are complying with our standards ensures that our customers can be confident that they are getting the highest quality non-G.M.O. soybeans and corn. We look forward to implementing the U.S.D.A. PVP program at other SunOpta facilities across our vertically integrated platform.”

The Process Verified Program provides companies that supply agricultural products or services a way to assure their customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services, according to the U.S.D.A.

SunOpta’s Hope facility was granted PVP approval for an initial six-month period. The company will apply for a verification extension at the end of the period. SunOpta, which has its U.S. headquarters in Edina, Minn., sources, processes and packages organic and non-bioengineered/non-G.M.O. food products.