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McKalip: GMO-corn dispute continues to move forward

The chief agriculture negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says the dispute settlement process challenging Mexico’s proposed GMO corn ban is still moving forward.

Doug McKalip tells Brownfield the dispute settlement panel is filing the documentation to address the proposed ban.

“Biotechnology, even if you’re reading filings and things about genetics in a native language, can be complicated. In this case, we’re having to translate materials as well. There can be delays associated with that step.”

McKalip says there haven’t been large-scale changes in the volumes of imported U.S. corn to Mexico, yet.

“There’s very strong demand in the Mexican market for white and yellow corn from the United States. We had heard of situations where importers were starting to delay or cancel contracts, because those importers in Mexico look at their own government’s policy and want to make sure they’re in compliance.”

He says he is optimistic the dispute will be resolved by late spring.