The U.S. rejected Mexico’s proposal to jointly research the health effects of genetically modified (GM) corn, according to Reuters and Mexico media. Mexico’s move to decrease dependence on GM corn imports and focus more on national food self-sufficiency has caused friction between the two countries.
The two countries failed to reach an agreement during a meeting with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, according to Mexico’s Deputy Agriculture Minister, Victor Suárez, who criticized Washington’s refusal to agree to impact studies on animal and human health, insinuating the U.S. treats its scientific claims as infallible – more ideology than science. “They did not want to establish a period in which the two parties agree to carry out impact studies on animal health and human health,” Suárez said. “Their science is the word of God. That is not science, that is ideology.”
As tensions intensify, it appears the countries are moving closer to a formal trade dispute over Mexico’s decision to stop importing GM corn for human consumption by 2024, with plans to eventually also cut down on GM corn imports for animal feed. Mexico believes that GM corn negatively impacts native biodiversity and could have potential implications on human health.
The U.S. argues that Mexico’s GM ban breaches the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) and could harm U.S. farmers. Mexico suggests the immediate impact on trade will be minimal because the country is self-reliant in producing non-GM white corn, a staple food ingredient. They have also proposed to expedite the ban on GM corn in tortillas, potentially applying within two months.
USMCA trade dispute consultations continue, and Canada also announced its intention to join the dispute process. Mexican Economy Minister, Raquel Buenrostro, has met with U.S. and Canadian trade representatives, however, they reached no resolution on Mexico’s GM corn ban.
If the dispute is not resolved within 75 days from the consultation’s start (Aug. 16), the U.S. can elevate the matter to a dispute settlement panel. If the panel rules against Mexico, the country could be forced to modify its policy or incur substantial tariffs. More from Pro Farmer.
