Corn Growers Win Dispute with Mexico Over GM Corn Ban
In a major win for corn growers, a dispute panel ruled today that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2020.
The decision was met with praise from the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board among other corn grower advocates who had called on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to file the dispute.
“We have been engaged on this issue closely for several years,” said Andy Jobman, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association “Our staff and grower advocates made it a priority to interact with state and national corn grower leaders, we met with both Mexican and Canadian Embassies and echoed the voices of Nebraska’s corn growers in pushing USTR to challenge this ban. Today’s decision shows the real value of corn grower advocacy and what we can accomplish when we work together.”
“This is an imperative development for the America’s corn growers and rural communities,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chair of the Nebraska Corn Board. “As the nation's top producer of white corn, Nebraska is uniquely positioned to capitalize on Mexico's continually growing demand for our high-quality corn. This ruling will hopefully remove this potential trade disruption and secures Mexico's position as the leading export destination for U.S. corn, paving the way for increased economic growth and opportunity."
Past Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador first set off alarms in the Corn Belt in December 2020 when he initiated a decree to ban genetically modified corn by the end of 2024. At the time, corn grower leaders began outreach to the Trump administration to head off the ban. Those efforts continued with the Biden administration as well as with members of Congress and Mexican officials.
Nebraska corn growers took a lead with other state and national corn leaders who argued that the ban would significantly harm growers and rural communities, especially as Mexico is the number one export destination for U.S. corn.
Corn grower advocacy efforts intensified in 2023 when the Mexican president issued a decree banning genetically modified white corn, effective the following day. NCGA and state corn grower groups responded by urging USTR to file a dispute settlement under USMCA, which eventually occurred.
Nebraska Corn would also like to extend appreciation for Senator Fischer, Senator Ricketts, Representative Smith, Representative Bacon and Representative Flood for continually raising this issue with their colleagues in Washington, D.C.
The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is a grassroots commodity organization that works to advance Nebraska corn farmers through leadership, policy and education. NeCGA has more than 2,400 dues-paying members in Nebraska. NeCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 36,000 dues-paying members nationwide.
Smith Statement on Dispute Panel Ruling on Mexico's Ban Of U.S.-Grown Corn
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after a dispute panel announced its finding that Mexico had violated its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with its decree barring U.S.-grown biotech corn. Under USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the report to comply with the ruling.
"I have spent four years advocating for hardworking American farmers, and this decision is a victory for American agriculture producers and the future of rules-based, science-driven trade. While President Biden could have encouraged a resolution much sooner with a simple public statement, USMCA has worked as it should, and the integrity of USMCA has been upheld in this case. With the USMCA review coming in 2026, it is essential the U.S. continues to stand up for American industry and hold our trade partners to their commitments. I urge President Sheinbaum to swiftly comply with the findings of the panel and ensure fair market access for American corn growers, and I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to hold Mexico accountable."
BACKGROUND:
During USMCA negotiations, Smith traveled to Montreal and Mexico City to participate in discussions. In December 2020, Mexico issued a presidential decree to ban imports of U.S. biotech corn for human consumption contrary to its commitments under USMCA. Smith repeatedly petitioned the Biden administration to hold Mexico accountable and sent letters to USTR Amb. Katherine Tai and Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack calling for formal dispute consultations under USMCA.