The government of Mexico lifted the restrictions imposed on genetically modified corn after losing in the dispute resolution panel with the United States under the USMCA. An agreement from the Ministry of Economy, published in the Official Diary of the Federation (DOF), annulled several provisions regarding genetically modified corn.
According to the agreement signed by the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, restrictions on the application of various articles on genetically modified corn were removed. The dispute resolution panel recommended Mexico make necessary adjustments according to its obligations under the USMCA.
The Government of Mexico indicated that it would respect the panel's decision but does not agree with it, as it believes that the contested measures were aligned with the protection of public health and the rights of indigenous peoples. In January, President Claudia Sheinbaum sent an initiative to the Chamber of Deputies to reform the Constitution and prohibit the cultivation of genetically modified corn.
The proposed reform aims to declare corn as an element of national identity and ensure that its seeds and cultivation are free of transgenics. It is expected that the Union Congress will approve the reform, given the support of the majority of Morena and its allies in both chambers. Additionally, regulatory legislation will be issued to organize agricultural production, its industrialization, and marketing, considering these aspects of public interest.
