![Official ban on GMO corn cultivation in Mexico [World News]](https://foodcom.pl/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Foodcom_World_News_Plant-Based-1520x760.jpg "Official ban on GMO corn cultivation in Mexico [World News]")
- The Mexican government is trying to eliminate GMO corn from the national market.
- A ban on the import of GMO corn into Mexico, which would have led to tensions with the USA, among others, was abandoned, but a ban on the cultivation of this type in the country was passed.
- The stated aim is to protect public health, national heritage and biodiversity.
Ban on GMO corn cultivation to protect heritage and biodiversity
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved a constitutional reform banning the cultivation of genetically modified (GMO) corn in the country. This decision followed an earlier ruling by a trade dispute panel that found that Mexico’s restrictions on GMO corn imports violated the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). In response, Mexico withdrew the import restrictions but introduced a ban on GMO cultivation in its territory.
Mexico is one of the world’s most important corn producers, especially when it comes to traditional varieties that are essential for the production of tortillas. The initiative of President Claudia Sheinbaum aims to protect native corn varieties, which are considered an “element of national identity”. The government argues that protecting native corn varieties from cross-pollination with GMO varieties is important for biodiversity and the long-term stability of agricultural production. However, opponents of this decision warn that restricting access to more efficient varieties could lead to lower yields and increased costs for farmers, who will have to rely on species that are less resistant to disease and climatic conditions.
GMO corn reform and possible market tensions
The reform, which was adopted by 409 votes to 69, also provides for an assessment of other uses of GMO corn in terms of potential risks to biodiversity, public health and Mexico’s cultural heritage. Although the ban mainly affects corn cultivation in Mexico, analysts warn that it could cause new trade tensions with the United States, which exports around $5 billion worth of GMO corn to Mexico every year, mainly as animal feed. The reform is awaiting final approval from the Senate.
Although this decision formally concerns a ban on cultivation, it is part of a long-term policy to reduce the presence of GMOs in the country and may affect import restrictions in the future. The ban could lead to further trade disputes and retaliatory tariffs on other products exported by Mexico, which would negatively affect the US-Mexican trade balance. Furthermore, if Mexico decides to further restrict GMO imports, this could contribute to an increase in corn prices on the world markets, especially in the feed sector.
