The unnecessary and irrational ban on biotech corn would take effect next year, cost 32,000 U.S. jobs annually, and worsen food insecurity in Mexico.
A major disruption to the market for U.S. corn is set to take effect in one year, as a decree by Mexico’s President would ban the import of GMO corn effective January 31, 2024.
Historically, Mexico is the number one market for U.S. corn, and so it should surprise no one that the NCGA has been active in pushing back, with strong support from the Biden administration in Washington.
Already, their efforts have resulted in a one-year delay in implementation of the import ban. But the NCGA is urging the administration to hold the line and file a settlement dispute under the USMCA to hold Mexico accountable to their obligations under that trade agreement.
In order to build awareness of the issue in Congress, on January 31 NCGA held a well-attended briefing for Congressional staffers with an all-star panel of experts:
- Congressman Adrian Smith from Nebraska, chair of the Weighs and Means Subcommittee on Trade
- Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Jason Hafemeister
- NCGA President Tom Haag
- Nebraska grower Andy Jobman
And the discussion was moderated by NCGA Vice President of Communications Neil Caskey.
To listen to the podcast and/or read the transcript, click here.
