b'U.S. Argues Against Mexicos GM Corn BanMexico has revised its ban on GM corn, but the discussions are still ongoing.Alex MartinIN JANUARY 2021,Mexican President Andrs Manueltwo countries can reach an outcome that respects each others Lpez Obrador issued a decree that would effectively elimi- sovereignty and benefits the U.S., Mexico, and their agricultural nate the use of genetically modified (GM) corn in Mexico by 2024. producers and stakeholders. Importantly, these consultations will Lopez Obrador specifically mentioned that this order wouldexamine whether Mexicos actions comply with the trade obliga-ban GM corn in the diets of Mexicans and end the use of thetions agreed to under the USMCA.glyphosate herbicide by Jan. 31, 2024a decree that not onlyNot surprisingly, the United States strongly disagrees with affects corn imported by Mexico, but corn exported to MexicoMexicos stance. In mid-August, the U.S. requested a dispute set-from the U.S. tlement panel under USMCA, the United States-Mexico-Canada Since that initial decree in 2021, Mexico and the U.S. havetrade agreement. The Mexican economy minister, Raquel been in discussions on the ramifications of such a legislation, and,Buenrostro responded to the U.S. escalation of its objections by because the initial decree was unclear in its meaning, there haveconfirming that Mexico would not make further changes to its been quite a few updates. decree before the dispute settlement panel convened, according In January 2021 a decree came in force, effectively giving ato Reuters. deadline for the total elimination of genetically modified corn on Mexican soil, but in the case of planting, the ban practically tookWhy did Lopez Obrador Issue this Decree?effect immediately in 2021. In the case of food or feed, or for pro- The Government of Mexico considers, according to many of the cessing, the mandate was until 2024, says Luis Alberto Osorio,statements issued by the President, that genetically modified executive director of Proccyt. Derived from the fact that thiscorn is harmful to peoples health, but up to now it has not been decree was actually unclear, the government decided to issue aable to prove this, Osorio says. In addition, it states that the new one that repealed the previous one, that is, it eliminated it. decision to prohibit its planting is a special measure of protec-The new decree, modified and issued in February 2023, elimi- tion for native corn, the milpa, biocultural wealth, peasant com-nated the deadline to ban GM corn for animal feed and industrialmunities, gastronomic heritageuse the new decree instead retains plans to prohibit use ofMexico is an important partner, and we remain committed grain for human consumption, as well as the glyphosate ban. Into maintaining and strengthening our economic and trade ties. A addition, the new decree also continues to maintain the prohibi- robust, transparent agricultural trading relationship, founded on tion of planting GM corn on Mexican soil.rules and science, is vital to ensuring food security, mitigating the On March 6, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representativelingering effects of food price inflation, and helping to address (USTR) announced it was requesting technical consultations withthe climate crisis. Innovations in agricultural biotechnology play the Government of Mexico under the Sanitary and Phytosanitarya key role in advancing these critical, global objectives, said Measures Chapter of the United States-Mexico-CanadaAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in the release from the USTR. Agreement (USMCA). The intent is that through this process, theWhile we appreciate the sustained, active engagement with our 22/ SEEDWORLD.COMLATAM'