Mexico's lower house of Congress on Tuesday approved a constitutional reform to ban the planting of corn genetically modified (GM) crops, a move that could lead to more tension with the United States after a trade dispute is resolved, analysts said.
The move by Speaker Claudia Sheinbaum comes after a trade disputes panel ruled in December that Mexico's restrictions on GM corn, imported mainly from the United States, violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
As a result of the USMCA panel’s decision, Mexico has lifted its restrictions on the import of GM corn for human, livestock, and industrial use.
Mexico, the birthplace of modern corn, had already banned the commercial planting of GM varieties. The government argued that these varieties could contaminate native species of the grain. However, Sheinbaum promised to make the ban on GM corn planting in Mexico official through the Constitution.
With 409 votes in favor and 69 against, Congress approved Sheinbaum's reform, which labels native corn as an “element of national identity” and officially prohibits the planting of genetically modified corn in Mexico.
The text of the reform states that authorities must evaluate any other use of genetically modified corn. The aim is to ensure that it does not pose threats to biosecurity, health and Mexico's biocultural heritage. In addition, the measure seeks to protect the population from possible negative impacts.
The reform will now go to the Senate for final approval.
Impacts and Possible US Retaliations
Mexico buys about $1.4 billion worth of GM corn from the U.S. each year, mostly for animal feed.
Some analysts said the reform could spark new controversy with the United States because it also concerns the use of genetically modified corn, not just the planting of the grain.
Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA) is a leading consulting firm in Mexico. The firm said the government’s decision to strengthen its stance against GM corn is creating “uncertainty” in its relationship with the United States. The United States is the main supplier of yellow corn imported by Mexico, much of which is used primarily for animal feed.
“Following the adverse ruling by the USMCA disputes panel, persistence in these restrictions is likely to trigger retaliatory measures by the US government,” the GCMA said in a recent report.
Source: Adriana Barrera, Cassandra Garrison and Sandra Maler | Notícias Agrícolas
