UNSPSC 50586822: Non GMO dasheen

The variety of Non GMO vegetable known as Non GMO dasheen. 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 50586822 Non GMO dasheen is a Commodity code tracking procurement of non-genetically modified dasheen (a tropical root vegetable, also known as taro), a specialty agricultural product used primarily in food service operations. The recent opportunities show state and local governments sourcing this product through food service vendors and produce suppliers rather than purchasing it as a standalone commodity. The solicitations reveal that dasheen appears in broader food procurement contexts—particularly school nutrition programs, county parks concessions, and healthcare facility foodservice—where it may be specified as part of menu planning or included in produce-supply agreements. The issuing bodies include county parks and recreation divisions, school districts, state procurement offices, and healthcare coalitions.

Geographic activity in recent solicitations spans Florida (Collier County regional parks), Georgia (state food procurement and Early County Board of Education), and Marion County healthcare operations, suggesting activity concentrated in the Southeast. Representative recent opportunities include Collier County Board of County Commissioners' Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for food services at North Collier Regional Park with proposals due March 6, 2025, which solicits diverse food and beverage options including produce items; Early County Board of Education's line-by-line food bid due June 8, 2026 covering approximately 300+ food items across meats, poultry, dairy, vegetables, and fruits for the National School Lunch Program; Marion Health Care Coalition's produce proposals due August 21, 2026 for fresh fruits and vegetables; and the State of Georgia's general food, supplies, and kitchen products bid due June 22, 2026. However, the recent opportunities block shows no solicitation explicitly specifying non-GMO dasheen as a line item or primary procurement focus, suggesting the code may be overtagged or dasheen represents a minor component of broader produce or food service contracts in state and local procurement activity.