Because the seven claims made by Mexico for corn transgenic are not based on science and undermine the market access that Mexico agreed to provide in the T-MEC, Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, announced that the American Union won against Mexico the dispute that began over genetically modified corn.
With this measure, the Producers and experts in Mexico see risk in the genetics of the national grain and effects on corn production.
In accordance with federal government policy, it continues to ask producers to avoid the use of imported yellow grain corn in crops at all costs, as Its pollination can cause contamination of native corn.
Foreign trade expert Jorge Molina explained that the result of the panel “is basically to roll back the decree, and for this Mexico has 45 days to adopt the ruling; that is, February 3.”
He added that “if by February 4, Mexico has not corrected the problem that gave rise to the panel that is the decree, on the 4th, they can begin to apply tariffs to us and with Donald Trump there, as president, it will be the perfect excuse for “start fulfilling your campaign promises to apply tariffs to Mexico.”
He emphasized that in The only thing Mexico can appeal if it does not comply is the excessive amount of tariffs imposed by the United States and Canada for non-compliance.
Roberto de Alba, president of the Jalisco Agri-Food Council, He stressed that “we are against transgenic corn for human consumption in the national territory. We only see with favor that the development of national genetics for the productivity of basic grains can be promoted, that would bring the benefit to producers of lowering their costs, to be able to preserve or increase their yields or have greater profitability.”
Furthermore, he recalled that In Jalisco “eight years ago we had a production above 2.5 million tons and now more than 100 thousand hectares have stopped being planted and production has fallen by one million tons of corn.” That’s why it sends an alert.
On the other hand, the director of the Agricultural Markets Consulting Group, Juan Carlos Anaya, said that the panel’s ruling determined that “the decrees issued on December 31, 2020 and February 13, 2023 do not present scientific evidence that demonstrates that the genetically modified corn causes harm to human, animal or environmental health.”
He indicated that this makes it clear that “the ideologues of the Fourth Transformation have generated a problem where there are no scientific foundations to support it,” because the panel determined that Mexico did not demonstrate scientific evidence that genetically modified corn causes harm.
“Mexico must adopt a position based on science and the country’s economic interests, ensuring the supply of corn for the animal and industrial sectors, without compromising its food sovereignty or its reputation.”
Mexico has 59 different varieties of the grain. Producers and experts are alarmed that the entry of transgenics could modify this genetic panorama. SPECIAL
The properties of traditional corn against transgenic corn
Corn
- Traditional corn has a balanced proportion of nutrients. All varieties have pigments with healthy properties.
- Native corn tortillas have a low glycemic index, their consumption is suitable and beneficial for people with diabetes, and traditional corn tortillas do not have pesticide residues.
transgenic corn
- The transgenic variety of corn has a higher proportion of carbohydrates and a lower fat and protein content. The flours from these corns have a higher glycemic index.
- They are usually used in the “ingredients industry to manufacture ultra-processed foods. The consumption of transgenic corn is associated with metabolic alterations.
NUMERALIA
40% of the grain produced by the US was sold to Mexico only in 2023, which is equivalent to more than five thousand 300 million dollars in sales or 19.7 million tons
27 million tons produced by Mexico in 2023
National producers face negative consequences, while dependence on foreign transgenic corn increases. NOTIMEX/Archive
Mexico would be harmed by resolution of transgenic corn
The recent resolution of the dispute settlement panel under the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada on the restriction that Mexico imposed on genetically modified corn could negatively affect domestic corn producers. The Office of the United States Trade Representative achieved a victory in this dispute, which could generate adverse consequences for Mexican agriculture.
Roberto de Alba, president of the Agri-Food Council of Jalisco, highlighted that The resolution would affect national producers by reducing the boost to local production. He pointed out that, if the boost to national corn production is maintained, benefits could be obtained such as reduced costs, increased yields and greater profits for Mexican producers.
“We are against transgenic corn for human consumption in the national territory. We welcome the promotion of the development of national genetics for the productivity of basic grains, which would bring the benefit of cost reduction and greater profitability,” said De Alba.
The leader also recalled that, Although Mexico is self-sufficient in the production of white corn, there is a deficit in the production of yellow corn, essential for the industry. Because of this, Mexico is forced to import this corn from the United States, which could intensify with the resolution.
In Jalisco, one of the key producing states, corn production has decreased significantly. De Alba reported that eight years ago, the State produced more than 2.5 million tons, but currently more than 100 thousand hectares have stopped being planted, which has reduced production by one million tons.
Although De Alba considers that the decision will not affect the review of the T-MEC between Mexico, the United States and Canada, he noted that It will be necessary to review the phytosanitary policies for corn imported from the United States, which could generate adjustments in inspection and control regulations.
The decision could affect Mexican agricultural policy and generate adjustments in imports. THE INFORMATOR/Archive
RESOLUTION
Main effects for Mexicans
1. Impact on corn producers:
The victory of the USTR could harm Mexican farmers by favoring the importation of genetically modified corn from the United States. This would limit the potential benefits of boosting domestic production, such as reducing costs or increasing profits for local producers.
2. Dependence on yellow corn imports:
Mexico faces a deficit in the production of yellow corn, essential for the industry, which forces the country to import this grain from the United States. The resolution could intensify this dependence.
3. Reduced production in key regions:
In states like Jalisco, corn production has decreased considerably in recent years. This setback could worsen if the resolution discourages investment in local production.
4. Need for adjustments in phytosanitary policies:
Phytosanitary inspection policies for corn imported from the United States will need to be reviewed, which could increase operating costs or create regulatory tensions.
SOME ASPECTS
Failure triggers reactions
- Considering that the measures applied by our country to protect its territory from the sowing of transgenic seeds are not based on “an adequate risk assessment, scientific evidence and relevant international standards,” the Government of Mexico reported that it does not share the ruling of the T-MEC on transgenic corn from the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
- In a joint statement, the Secretariats of Agriculture and Rural Development and Economy concluded that “The questioned measures are aligned with the principles of protection of public health and the rights of indigenous peoples, established in national legislation and in the international treaties to which it is a party.”
- Despite this, the Government of Mexico said that it will respect the determination, since the dispute settlement system of the T-MEC It is a key piece of said treaty, as was demonstrated in the case on Rules of Origin of the automotive sector that was favorable for Mexico.
- Aspi, Sader and the SE reiterated their commitment to “protect fundamental values such as health, public morality, the conservation of natural resources, the culture of the Mexican population and the rights of indigenous peoples, which were recognized by the Panel as legitimate concerns.”
- “Mexico, through the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and its other agencies, will continue seeking to vindicate the rights of all Mexicans, in accordance with the international obligations it has acquired,” they noted.
