Mexico changes plan on GM corn from U.S.
U.S. grown genetically modified corn will still be welcome in Mexico past 2025 but only for use in animal feed. The proposed ban on imports would have dramatically altered the biggest destination for 17 million tonnes of American yellow corn - or about $3 billion worth of product.
Mexico’s Ministry of Economy announced Monday they will carry out a gradual substitution of GM feed and milled corn, but left the dates for doing so open ended. However, Mexican experts, and authorities from other countries, will be looking at potential health issues.
Corn has a long history in Mexico. The first domesticated varieties were grown around 9,000 years ago. In order to protect native corn varieties, America’s number one trading partner will prohibit the import of GM corn seeds and block the use of GM corn for human consumption.
The ban had created some tension between the two trading partners and even raised fears of a possible violation of the U.S. - Mexico - Canada trade agreement.
The U.S. Trade Representative has been saying for several months Mexico’s position was not grounded in science and threatened to cause serious economic harm to U.S. farmers and livestock producers.
For Market to Market, I’m David Miller.
Contact: miller@iowapbs.org
Transcript
U.S. grown genetically modified corn will still be welcome in Mexico past 2025 but only for use in animal feed. The proposed ban on imports would have dramatically altered the biggest destination for 17 million tonnes of American yellow corn - or about $3 billion worth of product.
Mexico’s Ministry of Economy announced Monday they will carry out a gradual substitution of GM feed and milled corn, but left the dates for doing so open ended. However, Mexican experts, and authorities from other countries, will be looking at potential health issues.
Corn has a long history in Mexico. The first domesticated varieties were grown around 9,000 years ago. In order to protect native corn varieties, America’s number one trading partner will prohibit the import of GM corn seeds and block the use of GM corn for human consumption.
The ban had created some tension between the two trading partners and even raised fears of a possible violation of the U.S. - Mexico - Canada trade agreement.
The U.S. Trade Representative has been saying for several months Mexico’s position was not grounded in science and threatened to cause serious economic harm to U.S. farmers and livestock producers.
For Market to Market, I’m David Miller.