U.S. government prepared to take legal action against Mexico’s decree to ban biotech corn and certain herbicides.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador in Mexico City on Nov. 28 to discuss Mexico’s plan to end imports of corn grown using biotechnology and certain herbicides by 2024.
Vilsack shared the “deep concerns” of U.S. farmers regarding the ban. The decree will disrupt trade, harm U.S. and Mexican farmers, and increase costs for Mexican consumers.
Trade between the U.S. and Mexico hit a record $63 billion in 2021 and is expected to be even higher this year. The U.S. government is prepared to take legal action under the USMCA if a resolution is not reached, Vilsack explains in a statement.
“We must find a way forward soon,” Vilsack says. “The phase-out of biotechnology products, as outlined in the decree, could stifle the important innovations we need to help our farmers adapt to a changing climate.”
During the meeting, President L?pez Obrador reaffirmed the importance of yellow corn imports for Mexico’s food security. Vilsack expects a proposal from the President’s team outlining a process to continue the discussion on assuring the safety of biotechnology products.
“While we do not have a solution in hand, we will continue to engage with Mexico on this important issue,” Vilsack says.
Last week, President Lopez Obrador signaled he’s softening his stance on the ban. On Nov. 22, he explained he’s considering allowing genetically-modified yellow corn for livestock feed, which is a major change from previous government statements.
Related: Mexico signals potential exceptions to GMO corn ban
Mexico Agriculture Minister Victor Villalobos has shown openness to finding a solution amid pressure from the U.S. government.
“We are very appreciative of Secretary Vilsack for taking the lead on this issue that is so important to American corn growers,” says National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett. “Today’s meeting shows that the Biden administration is listening to NCGA and American corn grower leaders and that Secretary Vilsack is willing to go to the mat for America’s farmers.”
