UNSPSC 50526600: Non GMO saskatoon berries

The type of non GMO fruit known as non GMO saskatoon berries. 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 50526600 Non GMO saskatoon berries is a Class code that encompasses fresh produce procurement by state and local school nutrition programs, though the recent opportunities block shows no solicitations actually seeking saskatoon berries — a mismatch between the code's nominal scope and current buying activity. The code covers the supply, delivery, and specifications of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced for school meal programs, including produce selection, ripeness standards, delivery schedules, temperature control, traceability documentation, and compliance with food safety requirements such as HACCP plans and recall procedures. School districts constitute the primary issuing bodies under this code, ranging from large urban systems serving 20,000+ students across 30+ campuses to smaller county boards operating 13 to 16 school sites. Districts typically solicit through RFP, RFQ, ITB, or IFB notices; evaluation criteria consistently weight cost between 30 and 50 percent, with significant emphasis on vendor qualifications, product quality, delivery reliability, and compliance with Buy American provisions requiring domestic sourcing. Recent opportunities show districts awarding contracts to single or multiple vendors on a line-item basis, with contract terms running July 1 through June 30 and renewal options of up to four additional one-year periods.

The code sees substantial recent activity across Georgia, Texas, and Florida school systems. Representative recent solicitations include Madison Metropolitan School District (RFB 4162 for petite bananas, due July 29, 2026, estimated annual value $78,000) and Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida (RFP 26039RFPDST for specialty fruits and vegetables under the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, estimated annual budget $600,000, proposals due March 11, 2026). Additional activity includes Hancock County Board of Education in Georgia (IFB for fresh produce spanning over 200 line items across multiple apple and berry varieties, melons, citrus, leafy greens, and specialty items, bids due June 26, 2026), Bulloch County School District (RFP for locally grown produce within 200 miles, proposals due May 4, 2026), and Douglas County School System (RFP through GEC Buying Cooperative for 30 school districts across two Georgia areas, estimated spending $5.5 million, proposals due March 4, 2026). McAllen Independent School District in Texas (RFP 2026-1029 for fresh produce across 31 campuses, proposals due March 6, 2026) and Austin Independent School District (RFP 26RFP034 for fresh produce and beverages, proposals due March 11, 2026) show sustained Texas procurement activity.