Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed confidence that the nation’s Congress will approve a ban on planting genetically modified (GM) corn early next year. Speaking at a public event on Saturday, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of protecting Mexico’s biodiversity, declaring, “Without corn, there is no country.”
The announcement follows a recent trade-dispute panel’s ruling that Mexico’s restrictions on U.S. exports of GM corn violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The panel’s decision challenges Mexico’s February 2023 presidential decree, which banned the use of GM corn in tortillas and dough and encouraged its replacement in industrial production, including for animal feed.
Sheinbaum remains defiant, vowing to reverse the panel’s ruling. “With the help of Mexico’s Congress, we are going to reverse this resolution,” she said. The ruling party, which dominates Congress, is expected to pass the legislation in February 2025.
Mexico has long opposed the planting of GM corn to safeguard its native corn varieties from potential contamination. As the birthplace of modern corn, the country has a deep cultural and agricultural connection to the crop. However, it remains heavily reliant on U.S. yellow corn imports, nearly all of which are genetically modified. For the 2023/24 crop season, Mexico is projected to import a record 22.3 million metric tons.
Critics of GM crops argue that their long-term effects on human health and the environment remain uncertain. Conversely, proponents highlight their ability to resist diseases and pests, making them an attractive option for farmers in many countries, including the United States.
While Sheinbaum’s proposed ban could increase domestic supplies of non-GM corn, it is unlikely to curb imports of GM corn entirely, particularly for industrial use and animal feed. Mexico’s economy and agriculture ministries, in a joint statement, acknowledged their disagreement with the trade panel’s ruling but pledged to respect the decision, noting that it pertains specifically to trade between Mexico and the United States.
As the debate continues, Sheinbaum’s push for legislative action underscores Mexico’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage while navigating complex trade dynamics with its northern neighbor.
