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Mexican consumers weigh in on potential impact of GMO corn ban

A new study from the University of Arkansas shows implementation of Mexico’s ban on GMO corn imports could negatively impact the country’s low-income consumers. 

Brandon McFadden tells Brownfield…

“The total budget, dollar amount they spend on food is always less, but even though that dollar amount is less, it’s a larger proportion of their income.”

He says the study found that 54% of consumers were unaware of the ban.  However, of those who were aware, most supported the ban and were willing to pay higher prices for non-GMO foods.  

McFadden says those who supported generally favored increasing demand for Mexican-grown corn.

“If I were a Mexican consumer, I would be somewhat concerned that you’re kind of putting the cart before the horse, because you’re saying we’re going to reduce our supply so that we can grow more,” he says. “There’s going to be some lag.”

Nearly 94% of respondents believed they currently consumed some foods containing GM ingredients. Concern about human health was selected by 85% of those supporting the decree, while 48% cited environmental concerns and 40% cited protecting cultural heritage.

McFadden says a ban could negatively impact U.S. farmers, but…

“This is going to depend a lot, also, though, on where farmers are marketing their corn. To me, it’s really still unknown if this policy is going to have teeth,” he says.

USDA and NASDA officials have told Brownfield they expect a panel decision to rule on Mexico’s decree before the end of the year.