UNSPSC 50583203: Non GMO watercress

The variety of Non GMO cresses known as Non GMO watercress. 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 50583203 Non GMO watercress is a Commodity code that captures fresh produce items, specifically specialty vegetables and leafy greens, purchased by state and local food-service operations. While the code name specifies watercress, recent state and local solicitations show the code is used broadly across produce procurement — including fresh fruits, vegetables, greens, and other produce items supplied to schools, parks, healthcare facilities, and institutional food-service operations. State and local buyers under this code include school districts (purchasing for National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs), county parks departments, healthcare coalitions, and state procurement offices. The work involves vendor-provided fresh produce delivered on established schedules, compliance with food-safety standards, USDA sourcing preferences, and adherence to temperature and handling requirements specific to perishable goods.

Recent activity is concentrated in Georgia and Florida. The Early County Board of Education (Georgia) issued an IFB on May 11, 2026 (bids due June 8, 2026) for approximately 300+ food items including vegetables and fruits under the National School Lunch Program, with emphasis on domestic sourcing, whole-grain options, low-sodium formulations, and products without added sugars or artificial additives. Collier County Board of County Commissioners (Florida) posted an Invitation to Negotiate on October 8, 2026 (proposals due March 6, 2025) for food services at North Collier Regional Park, which includes produce as part of a broader concession and food-service contract. Marion Health Care Coalition (Florida) sought produce proposals on August 7, 2026 (due August 21, 2026) for fresh fruits and vegetables delivery to support 2026-2027 operations. The State of Georgia posted a broad food and kitchen products bid on May 15, 2026 (due June 22, 2026) that likely encompasses produce items among other food categories.