Mexico’s president has published a decree beginning the phase out of the use of glyphosate and genetically modified corn in the country.
Biosafety authorities of the country will “revoke and refrain from granting permits” for genetically modified corn, including imports.
The decree from President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador published on December 31, 2020 cites protection of native corn varieties, biocultural wealth, rural communities, gastronomic heritage, and the health of Mexicans, as the primary reasoning.
In accordance with the government’s food self-sufficiency policies, genetically modified corn authorizations will be restricted, until the supply of corn for Mexicans’ diets can be replaced, no later than January 31, 2024.
The regulations also mandate a full ban of glyphosate by the same date, January 31, 2024.
Related: Mexico announces plan to phase out the use of glyphosate
