The GEM project originally utilized the germplasm discoveries of the Latin American Maize Project (LAMP) as source material. Twelve countries participated in the LAMP Project and evaluated 12,000 accessions. Initially, 51 highly productive LAMP accessions from temperate and lowland tropical areas and seven tropical hybrids donated by DeKalb were used by the GEM Project and crossed to elite proprietary germplasm by industry cooperators in 1994.

The project successfully partners industry and public sector researchers to address a wide array of germplasm trait and research needs and utilizes a wide range of exotic germplasm from all over the world. This includes germplasm provided by international public and private cooperators in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, and Canada, as well as germplasm from CIMMYT and the original populations identified by the LAMP.

The GEM project was funded by the federal government with an initial $500,000 in 1995. The USDA-ARS GEM Project is currently funded with $2,800,000 by the federal government and has 28 private cooperators, 23 public cooperators, one non-government organization, 12 international private cooperators, and 6 international public cooperators in year 2010. The Ames, IA component focuses on 25% exotic germplasm while the Raleigh, NC component focuses on 50% exotic germplasm. The Ames, IA GEM project is coordinated by Dr. Adam Vanous, USDA-ARS. The Raleigh, NC GEM project is coordinated by Dr. Matt Krakowsky. A Technical Steering Group (TSG) provides expertise and a forum for discussion and guidance on issues of significance to maize genetic research. The TSG membership is elected at the annual GEM Cooperators meeting.