Calypso Harvest Earns Non GMO Verification

The Non-GMO Project has verified three Caribbean-inspired frozen foods from Calypso Harvest, founded by Trinidadian entrepreneur Natalia J. Kalloo. The products received support through the project’s Equitable Transfer Program, which helps food brands led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color access independent verification. Since 2023, the program has awarded more than $46,000 to 21 businesses and helped 41 products achieve verification. Calypso Harvest is the first recipient offering Trinidadian or Caribbean frozen foods.

Three Verified Foods

The verified products are Dhalpuri Roti, a soft flatbread filled with seasoned split peas; Bussupshut (Paratha Roti), a flaky, layered flatbread; and Trinidad Doubles, made with curried chickpeas and soft bara flatbread.

“For us, Non-GMO Project verification is about more than putting a label on a package. It is about creating greater transparency around the foods we stand behind, strengthening trust with our customers, and showing that small, underrepresented food businesses can pursue rigorous standards while honoring the foods and traditions that are important to our communities. Through Calypso Harvest, we are also committed to reinvesting our growth back into communities experiencing food access challenges, particularly in Ward 7. Having our Dhalpuri Roti, Bussupshut (Paratha Roti), and Trinidad Doubles Verified is an important milestone in that work.”

From Markets To Frozen Foods

Kalloo began selling handcrafted spice blends at Washington, D.C., farmers markets through Trini Vybez in 2019, before expanding into a food truck and restaurant. Calypso Harvest now brings traditional Trinidadian dishes to the frozen food aisle.

In 2025, Kalloo founded Victual Solutions, a nonprofit focused on food access and economic opportunity, particularly in Ward 7. Its plans include a community farmers market and programs intended to make fresh food more affordable.

Verification Support Expands

The Equitable Transfer Program now also funds eligible businesses seeking Non-UPF Verified certification, which evaluates ingredients, formulation and how foods are made. Applications for the current round are open through November 13, 2026.

“A better food system needs more voices, more traditions and more people shaping its future. Natalia brings all of that to the table. She's building a business rooted in her heritage while creating opportunities for other entrepreneurs and investing in her community. That's exactly the kind of leadership we want to champion. Our Equitable Transfer Program is about opening doors so more businesses can participate, compete and thrive.”

Workshop For Food Businesses

The Non-GMO Project, Victual Solutions and East Capitol Urban Farm will hold a free virtual workshop on October 22 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. Food vendors, growers and sellers can learn about verification, required documentation and how to get started, and can register through the Non-GMO Project Verification Webinar for Vendors, Growers, and Sellers.