Farm groups are calling Dannon's pledge to reduce GMO ingredients "flimflam" that uses "fear-based marketing and trendy buzzwords" to boost sales.
A letter to Dannon CEO Mariano Lozano says the plan would "force farmers to abandon safe, sustainable farming practices" and reverse gains in sustainability that the groups say GMO crops enable.
"We doubt that informed consumers want to see an increase in insecticide applications that will be needed to fulfill your pledge," the letter says.
The farm groups include National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation and American Soybean Association.
In response to the letter, Dannon released a statement calling the criticisms "divisive and misinformed."
The statement outlined farming goals the company considers sustainable without the use of GMO crops, including better soil and water quality, more biodiversity and decreased emissions.
The statement added that managing use of pesticides and herbicides is a "major part" of the company's plan.
Dannon released a line of non-GMO yogurts this summer.