Key Takeaways
- Mexico has lifted its ban on U.S. genetically engineered corn, restoring trade relations.
- The U.S. Trade Representative welcomes this decision, emphasizing compliance with USMCA commitments.
- Industry leaders express optimism about continued market access and science-based agricultural policies.
Mexico Rescinds Ban on U.S. Biotech Corn
On Thursday, the Mexican government officially lifted its ban on U.S. biotech corn, a crucial decision in favor of restoring agricultural trade relations with the United States. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that this action nullified two previous measures: one that prohibited the use of genetically engineered (GE) corn in dough and tortillas, and another aimed at phasing out GE corn for other food uses and animal feed.
USTR’s statement highlighted the importance of ensuring that Mexico adheres to its obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which requires that Mexico’s agricultural biotechnology measures are rooted in scientific evidence. This move comes as a significant relief for the U.S. corn industry, which exported $5.6 billion in corn to Mexico in 2024, making it the largest export market for U.S. corn.
Industry representatives welcomed the decision. Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for reversing the previous ban and reaffirmed that the earlier restrictions violated the USMCA. Duvall noted that the ban would have negatively affected families in both the U.S. and Mexico and emphasized the commitment of American farmers to provide safe and affordable food.
John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, acknowledged the decision as a vital step towards re-establishing market access for GE corn. Bode expressed confidence in the scientific basis for biotech crops and emphasized the hope of offering U.S. produce to consumers seeking quality food.
Kenneth Hartman Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association, expressed optimism about the recent developments, crediting advocacy efforts from corn growers. He also reminded that the settlement process is still ongoing and reinforced the need for Mexico to comply with trade agreements.
The alarm over the ban began in December 2020 when former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a decree to prohibit GE corn by the end of 2024. The situation escalated in 2023 when another decree targeted the ban on genetically modified white corn, prompting U.S. grower groups to advocate for dispute resolutions under USMCA.
Kailee Buller, chief of staff at the Agriculture Department, remarked that reopening trade for GE corn is a significant win for U.S. farmers and a direct result of strong trade leadership. This change not only protects billions of dollars in U.S. exports but also aligns with ongoing efforts to eliminate unjustified barriers in agricultural biotechnology.
Overall, the recent developments represent a noteworthy shift in policy, paving the way for future collaborative agricultural undertakings between the U.S. and Mexico.
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