UNSPSC 50524649: Non GMO sharlyn melons

The variety of non GMO melons known as non GMO sharlyn melons. 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 50524649 Non GMO sharlyn melons, a Commodity code, encompasses fresh melon procurement for state and local institutional food service — specifically non-GMO varieties sourced and delivered to school districts, county parks, health care facilities, and other public entities. Recent solicitations show school districts and county government purchasing fresh melons as line items within broader produce-supply contracts rather than as standalone commodity purchases. The code spans fresh-fruit procurement activities where melons appear alongside other fresh produce in institutional meal programs serving students, park visitors, and health care populations. Issuing bodies include school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Hancock County Board of Education, Early County Board of Education, Bartow County School System) and county parks authorities (Collier County Board of County Commissioners). School nutrition programs represent the dominant buyer category, driven by USDA National School Lunch Program and Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program funding.

Recent activity concentrates in the Southeast and upper Midwest. Hancock County Board of Education (Georgia) issued IFB #SN002-2027 for fresh produce spanning over 200 line items including melons, with bids due June 26, 2026 and contract running July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Bartow County School System (Georgia) posted RFP 10-2026-019 for local fresh fruits and vegetables sourced within 400 miles, with proposals due June 22, 2026 and contract term July 20, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Madison Metropolitan School District (Wisconsin) issued RFB 4163 for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks requiring Wisconsin sourcing within 400 miles, with bids due July 29, 2026 for a September 1 through November 30, 2026 contract. Early County Board of Education (Georgia) requested line-by-line food bids due June 8, 2026 covering 300+ food items including produce. School district solicitations typically weight cost heavily (40%), emphasize local or regional sourcing, require HACCP plans and compliance documentation, and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.