Mexico’s lower house of Congress has approved a constitutional reform to ban the planting of genetically modified (GM) corn, a decision analysts believe could heighten tensions with the United States following a recent trade dispute resolution.
The initiative by President Claudia Sheinbaum comes in the wake of a December ruling by a trade-dispute panel that deemed Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn imports from the U.S. a violation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Consequently, Mexico repealed its import restrictions on GM corn for human, livestock, and industrial uses.
Mexico, recognized as the birthplace of modern corn, had already prohibited the commercial planting of GM corn strains to protect native varieties. However, Sheinbaum has now secured a constitutional ban on the planting of GM corn within the country.
The reform, approved by a 409-69 vote, designates native corn as an “element of national identity” and officially prohibits planting GM corn in Mexico. The reform text states that “any other use of genetically modified corn must be evaluated to be free of threats to the biosecurity, health, and biocultural heritage of Mexico and its population.” The reform will now proceed to the Senate for final approval.
Mexico annually imports approximately $5 billion worth of U.S. GM corn, primarily for livestock feed. Some analysts warn that the reform could reignite controversy with the U.S., as it pertains to the use of GM corn, not just its planting.
The Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA), a prominent consultancy in Mexico, expressed concerns that the government’s strengthened stance against GM corn creates “uncertainty” in its relationship with the U.S., the primary source of Mexico’s yellow corn imports for livestock feed.
Source: Reuters
