The Government of Mexico has said that it will demonstrate with data that the T-MEC is not affected by the decree on transgenic corn.
The Ministry of Economy responded to the United States’ request to initiate technical consultations regarding the presidential decree on transgenic corn, arguing that Mexico’s policy is consistent with the Trade Agreement and denied that there is a trade affectation.
“Mexico will take advantage of this mechanism provided for in the T-MEC to demonstrate with data and evidence that there has been no commercial impact and that, on the contrary, the Decree is consistent with the Treaty itself,” the Secretariat said in a statement.
In turn, he pointed out that the technical consultations to address the decree that regulates genetically modified corn is not contentious, but rather a preliminary stage in which a cooperative solution is sought.
The Ministry of Economy, together with the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks and other relevant authorities, will coordinate the government’s position to find a satisfactory solution.
Secretary Raquel Buenrostro reiterated that the objective of the decree is to preserve that the tortilla is made with native corn, and to ensure the conservation of the biodiversity of the more than 64 breeds of corn that exist in the country, of which 59 are endemic.
Dispute escalates: US requests consultations with Mexico on transgenic corn
The Office of the United States Trade Representative requested earlier this Monday technical consultations with the Government of Mexico under the T-MEC agreement for the government’s policy of gradually eliminating imports of transgenic corn.
Through a statement, the USTR emphasized that the United States has repeatedly conveyed its concern with Mexico’s biotechnology policies and the importance of adopting a science-based approach that meets its USMCA commitments, so it hopes that these consultations are productive.
“Mexico’s policies threaten to disrupt billions of dollars in agricultural trade and will stifle the innovation that is needed to address the climate crisis and food security challenges if they are not addressed,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai.
In the same statement, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that he appreciates the sustained and active commitment of the Mexican government, but remains firm in his view that Mexico’s current biotech trajectory is not based on science, which is the basis of the USMCA.