Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, responded to Mexico’s recent decision to lift its ban on genetically-engineered (GE) corn imports.
“This is great news, not only for U.S. farmers, but for the people of Mexico who will continue to have access to a high-quality, safe and affordable food staple,” Hoeven stated. He emphasized that the previous ban contradicted scientific research and regulatory reviews while hindering U.S. farmers’ access to the Mexican market. “Rescinding this policy is the right call and will benefit both nations.”
The reversal follows efforts by Hoeven and other senators urging the U.S. Trade Representative and Agriculture Secretary to challenge Mexico’s stance. The senators argued that the ban threatened food security in Mexico, disregarded established safety regulations for GE corn, and could hinder future agricultural advancements.
The senators called for holding Mexico accountable to its trade commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Last month, a USMCA dispute settlement panel concluded that Mexico had breached its obligations under the agreement, ruling in favor of American farmers.
