The national umbrella organization representing Canada’s grain, oilseed, pulse and special crop industries is welcoming the North American trade dispute panel ruling against Mexico’s restrictions on genetically-modified (GM) corn.
The dispute revolves around Mexico’s February 2023 presidential corn decree to ban the use of GM corn in dough and tortillas, and to gradually eliminate the use of GM corn for other food uses and in animal feed.
The United States challenged the Mexican government decree under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico (CUSMA or USMCA) trade agreement, with six legal claims under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter and one legal claim under the National Treatment and Market Access for Goods Chapter.
The dispute panel ruled in the Americans’ favour on all seven claims.
“For Canadian farmers and grain exporters, reliable access to international markets can mean the difference between success and failure,” said Krista Thomas, vice-president, trade policy and seed innovation for the Canada Grains Council. “When major trading partners like Mexico veer away from science-based rules, it creates uncertainty for farmers who rely on GM crops to run their farms efficiently, stay profitable, and take care of the environment.”
Thomas noted Canadian officials and technical experts played a key role in this dispute. The Canadian government signed on as a third party in the dispute, siding with the U.S.
“This case highlights the importance of collaboration among CUSMA partners to support North America’s integrated agricultural supply chains,” she added. “We’re eager to see Canada, Mexico, and the United States continue their efforts to support innovation and sustainable practices in North American agriculture.”
Mexico has 45 days from the date of the final report’s release on Dec. 20, 2024 to comply with the dispute panel’s findings, according to the terms of the North American trade deal.
Unlike the U.S., Canada doesn’t export much corn to Mexico, but canola — most of which is also genetically-modified — and products made from canola are Canada’s largest agri-food export to Mexico.
