UNSPSC 50521522: Non GMO elstar apples

The variety of non GMO apples known as non GMO elstar apples. This means that they are produced without the use of methods that genetically modify organisms by means that are not possible under natural conditions. Such methods include cell fusion, microencapsulation and macro-encapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology).

Traditional methods of breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture are considered to be non-GMO.

UNSPSC 50521522 Non GMO elstar apples, a Commodity code, reflects state and local procurement of fresh fruit — specifically apples and broader produce — for school nutrition programs, parks and recreation food service, healthcare food operations, and institutional feeding. Recent solicitations show school districts and county governments buying fresh produce by the case for breakfast and lunch programs, with specifications ranging from individual apple varieties to mixed fresh fruit and vegetable assortments delivered on weekly or daily schedules. The work involves sourcing, quality compliance, cold-chain logistics, food-safety documentation (HACCP plans, E-Verify authorization, liability insurance), traceability by farm of origin, and adherence to USDA nutrition standards and domestic-sourcing preferences. State and local buyers also apply geographic preferences (requiring sourcing within specified radii, often 400 miles) and evaluate diverse-owned business status as award criteria.

Issuing bodies are predominantly school districts—Madison Metropolitan School District (Wisconsin), Hancock County Board of Education (Georgia), Bartow County School System (Georgia), Early County Board of Education (Georgia)—alongside county government recreation departments (Collier County, Florida) and health-care coalitions (Marion Health Care Coalition). Geographic activity concentrates in Georgia and Wisconsin, with additional recent solicitations in Florida. Representative current opportunities include Madison Metropolitan School District's RFB 4163 for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks, due July 29, 2026, requiring produce sourced within Wisconsin and within 400 miles; Hancock County Board of Education's IFB for fresh produce spanning over 200 line items with delivery to three school sites, bids due June 26, 2026; Bartow County School System's RFP 10-2026-019 for local fresh fruits and vegetables with proposals due June 22, 2026; and Collier County's ITN for food services including concession operations at regional parks, due March 6, 2025 (past deadline). Contract values are modest to mid-range—Madison Metropolitan School District estimated annual value at $78,000 for petite bananas alone—and terms typically run one school or fiscal year with renewal options.