UNSPSC 50521523: Non GMO empire apples

The variety of non GMO apples known as non GMO empire 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 50521523 Non GMO empire apples is a Commodity code covering fresh whole apples, particularly premium varieties, that state and local governments procure for food service operations serving students, patients, park visitors, and institutional populations. The recent solicitations show school districts and county park systems actively buying fresh produce at scale, with apples featured as line items within broader fresh-fruit procurement across school nutrition programs, healthcare facilities, and recreational food services. The work involves managing produce quality standards, delivery schedules, temperature control, food safety compliance (HACCP plans, traceability documentation), and meeting regulatory requirements such as Buy American provisions in school contracts and USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program specifications where applicable. Issuing bodies span independent school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Hancock County Board of Education, Early County Board of Education, Bartow County School System), county government (Collier County Board of County Commissioners for parks concessions), healthcare coalitions (Marion Health Care Coalition), and state procurement (State of Georgia food supplies bid). School districts dominate the recent activity, typically issuing IFBs or RFBs for annual school-year contracts with weekly or seasonal delivery requirements and strict quality, safety, and sourcing criteria.

Recent opportunities confirm activity across the South and Midwest. Madison Metropolitan School District (Wisconsin) issued separate bids in July 2026 for petite bananas and fresh fruit & vegetable snacks with responses due July 29, 2026; Hancock County Board of Education (Georgia) posted a comprehensive fresh-produce IFB in June 2026 listing over 200 line items including multiple apple varieties with bids due June 26, 2026; Bartow County School System (Georgia) sought local fresh fruits and vegetables via RFP with a June 22, 2026 proposal deadline; and Early County Board of Education (Georgia) issued a food bid covering 300+ items due June 8, 2026. Collier County (Florida) posted an ITN for park food services in October 2026 with a March 6, 2025 due date (note: date discrepancy in source), incorporating a 10-point local-vendor preference. Marion Health Care Coalition (location unspecified in source) sought produce proposals with an August 21, 2026 deadline, and the State of Georgia issued a broad food and kitchen products bid due June 22, 2026. Most school contracts run July 1 through June 30 with one-year renewal options; geographic preference or local-sourcing requirements (within 400 miles) appear in multiple Georgia district bids, and Wisconsin emphasizes diversity certification and local business preferences worth evaluation points.