As the largest food distributor in North America, Sysco has an impact on the expansion of GE products into the marketplace. As You Sow was part of a dialogue between ICCR and Sysco, which began in 2000. A shareholder resolution that year was withdrawn when senior management agreed to establish a task force to investigate the issue. As You Sow organized an expert briefing for the company utilizing GE scientific experts from both sides of the issue to discuss the environmental and health risks of GE products. We also provided the company with research showing gaps in the regulatory process, and a financial analysis of the biotech food industry indicating a loss of market share and falling stock prices. Sysco surveyed its suppliers and was told that their own brand name products could be GE-free in 2 years.

In 2002, the company abruptly terminated the dialogue with shareholders. Consequently, a shareholder group filed resolutions from 2003 - 2005 calling for a report on the impacts of GE foods, contingency plans for sourcing non-GE food ingredients should circumstances so require; and any issues of competitive advantage and/or brand name loyalty from use or non-use of GE ingredients.

While Sysco continues to avoid any transparency or dialogue on this issue, it has increased its use of certified non-GE products by becoming a market partner of the Food Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture.