Grain Terminal in North Dakota to be GMO-Free Only

Captain Drake LLC, backed by private equity firm, Killer Whale Holding, has acquired a million-bushel grain terminal in North Dakota, which the company will dedicate to handling only non-GMO commodities, according to a company statement.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Captain Drake is a privately held originator and handler of non-GMO food and beverage ingredients from around the world. The company has received Non-Project Verified Certification from the Non-GMO Project for its citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, conventional cane and organic cane sugars.

Currently, approximately 94% of the total corn and soybeans grown in the U.S. are GMO varieties, and although the U.S. does not have any labeling laws affecting GMOs in place, 64 other countries do. In addition, the U.S. non-GMO market is experiencing double digit growth with sales of approximately $13 billion. These combined factors lead Mark Anderson, president of Captain Drake to profess, “…it is possible that the next boom in North Dakota won’t be oil, but non-GMO, and identity preserved corn and soybeans.”

"We consider this to be another strategic asset for our food and beverage clients seeking suppliers committed to guaranteeing the integrity and purity of non-GMO commodities throughout the supply chain,” said Mr. Anderson, adding, "By providing growers and end -users this key facility, Captain Drake will consolidate and streamline the sourcing of Non-GMO grain in the Red River Valley.

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