In 2024, Mexico plans to halt all imports of GMO corn. This move has farmers and Ag groups concerned over what we can expect from our second-most important trade partner and close neighbor. The prices of non-GMO corn are higher and could affect the costs for consumers who are using corn for several goods, including animal feed. This could be a bigger problem for lower-income end-users.
Could it also be a violation of the USMCA trade deal?
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst talks about a letter that she wrote with Senator Chuck Grassley to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. It talks about their concern for Mexico?s GMO ban’s effects and what it could do to Iowa farmers.
Ernst discusses how this ban can be interpreted as a USMCA violation. She says this ban will limit their ability to live up to their trade commitments.
The USMCA also has clauses built in to make grievances and enter arbitration, which would ultimately include Canada to help resolve this issue. It is not an option that Senator Ernst hopes we will have to put into motion, and that Ambassador Tai can broker an agreement before it becomes a major issue.
Ernst is also calling on all of the Biden Administration to help get us to a solution that works for everyone.
