The current administration in Mexico continues to stick by its plan to ban imports of U.S. genetically modified corn beginning January 1, 2024. However, as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack points out, “on September 30, that administration leaves office.”
Vilsack is hopeful that could change things. He told reporters over the weekend there is no scientifically based reason for Mexico to ban genetically modified corn and that trade ought to be based on science.
“The two candidates for president, the leading candidate is a scientist. My hope and belief is that as a result of a new administration, they will take a look at the science, take a look at the fact that they are reliant on the US for yellow corn, and that the relationship with the US is important.”
He said he made that point again when he met with his Mexican counterpart during the just concluded UN climate conference in Dubai.
For former USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, this is about science and math. He told Hoosier Ag Today earlier this year that it’s perplexing why Mexico’s president has taken his people this far in that direction.
“There’s just no turning away from sourcing a product like we have, particularly yellow corn. And if they want to start transitioning to non-GM, okay, let’s get the signals to do that and we’ll happily do that. But then it’s oh so expensive for his people. So, he’s got to redo his calculus to be very honest.”
The issue could be decided by a USMCA dispute panel in 2024. The U.S. recently lost a case that went before a dispute panel against Canada and their dairy practices.
Source: USDA Radio
