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Corn growers win dispute with Mexico over GMO corn ban

The National Corn Growers Association says a dispute panel has ruled Mexico’s 2023 ban of genetically modified corn imports violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

NCGA and other commodity groups called on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to file the dispute.  NCGA president Kenneth Hartman, Jr. tells Brownfield, “We have a ruling and it’s unanimously for the United States.”  He says, “You know, we’ve been working on this a long time.  It’s a big win for us.  I mean, Mexico is our number one customer right now when it comes to buying our corn and out of the country.”

The organization’s leaders argued that the ban would significantly harm growers and rural communities.  Hartman says NCGA will work with USTR and the incoming Trump administration to ensure the ruling is enforced.

“President Trump was the one that negotiated the USMCA.”  He says, “This tells us right away that we were right in what we were saying about GMO corn and the science base behind this agreement.  I would think he would definitely help us and work with us to make sure that they stick to what they originally agreed to.”

Hartman says Mexico has 45 days to react to the ruling.

Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, says in a statement to Brownfield the findings reiterate the importance of science-based approaches for vital agricultural products.  He says, “Over 90% of U.S. corn production relies on biotech seeds, because these technologies are safe, they improve farmers’ yields, and they help us grow crops that are better for the environment. Mexico’s decrees over the past five years have created massive uncertainty for our farmers, businesses, and seed developers. We look forward to discussing the outcomes of this case with the incoming Trump Administration.”

AUDIO: Kenneth Hartman, Jr. – president of NCGA