UNSPSC 50586500: Non GMO winter squashes and winter pumpkins

The type of Non GMO vegetable known as Non GMO winter squashes and Non GMO winter pumpkins. 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 50586500 Non GMO winter squashes and winter pumpkins is a Class code that encompasses fresh produce procurement for institutional food service, particularly school nutrition programs. State and local governments soliciting under this code are acquiring fresh fruits and vegetables — including winter squashes, pumpkins, and an extensive range of complementary produce — for child nutrition services, farm-to-school initiatives, and general institutional feeding operations. The issuing bodies are predominantly school districts and county boards of education, ranging from small rural districts to large urban systems serving 20,000 students or more. Solicitations emphasize USDA compliance, HACCP certification, Buy American provisions, domestic sourcing preferences, food safety documentation, and adherence to whole-grain and low-sodium formulations. Insurance requirements (typically $1 million general liability minimum), debarment certification, E-Verify compliance, and traceability systems are standard. Districts award on a line-item basis, allowing multiple vendors to supply different categories, and contracts typically run July 1 through June 30 with one-year renewal options.

Recent activity concentrates in Georgia and Texas. The Georgia State Department of Education issued an IFB for fresh produce (SN 26-004 for Douglas County School System, due March 4, 2026, covering 72 produce items and approximately $5.5 million for 30 districts through the GEC Buying Cooperative); Glynn County, Liberty County, Muscogee County, Savannah-Chatham County, Bulloch County, and Early County boards of education have all posted produce IFBs and RFPs in March and April 2026. In Texas, Northside Independent School District (San Antonio) posted RFP 2026-048 for fresh produce due May 7, 2026; McAllen Independent School District posted RFP 2026-1029 due March 6, 2026; and Austin Independent School District posted RFP 26RFP034 for fresh produce and beverages due March 11, 2026. Hillsborough County Public Schools (Tampa, Florida) solicited for specialty fruits and vegetables under the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (due March 11, 2026, estimated annual budget $600,000). Rockwood R-VI School District (Missouri) solicited grocery items including produce for the 2026-27 school year (due April 29, 2026). Bid cycles align with the July 1 start of the school fiscal year, with most sealed-bid deadlines concentrated March through May 2026. Winter squashes and pumpkins appear in several district specifications as part of broader vegetable offerings but are not highlighted as standalone procurement focus; the code tag may reflect commodity classification rather than primary solicitation emphasis for this particular produce category.