US succeeds in GM corn trade dispute

Mexico challenges GM corn import ruling

The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade panel has ruled in favor of the United States, stating that Mexico’s ban on genetically modified (GM) corn violates trade regulations due to a lack of adequate scientific risk assessments.

While Mexico has vowed to respect the ruling, it maintains its opposition to GM corn, citing health and biodiversity risks.

The ruling stems from Mexico’s 2023 presidential decree banning GM corn and glyphosate to protect native maize biodiversity and public health. Mexican organizations argue the panel lacks the expertise to assess the health and environmental impacts of GM corn.

"It demonstrates the risks that basic foodstuffs are part of trade agreements and are considered as a commodity and not as a priority good for humanity," emphasised the Sin Maíz No Hay País campaign.

The campaign also highlights the absence of credible evidence from US industry regarding the safety of GM corn, accusing companies of evading rigorous testing. Mexico has proposed a joint risk assessment with the US, but the offer was declined.

Corn holds cultural and agricultural significance in Mexico, home to 64 maize breeds. The government’s defence stressed the need to protect native corn diversity from GM contamination, which has reportedly increased from 1% in 2009 to 33% in 2023, according to a Conahcyt study.

Despite the ruling, Mexico’s stance remains firm, with ongoing efforts to constitutionally ban GM corn planting and consumption. Advocates continue to push for biosafety measures and raise awareness about the risks of transgenic crops.