USTR Releases Findings from USMCA Biotech Corn Dispute Between United States and Mexico

Today, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released the panel findings from the ongoing dispute regarding products of agricultural biotechnology between the United States and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA).

The United States initiated this dispute in February 2023, in response to Mexico’s most recent presidential decree that: 1) immediately prohibited the use of biotech corn in Mexico’s dough and tortilla production, and 2) proposed a longer-term phase out of the use of biotech corn in all food and animal feed products.

The results of the panel findings conclude that Mexico’s attempts to prevent the use of biotech corn in food and feed violate its obligations under USMCA. Additional details regarding the case can be viewed on USTR’s website at the following link.

 “We applaud the outcomes of the panel, and we are actively reviewing the findings – which reiterate the importance of science-based approaches for vital agricultural products”, said Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of ASTA. “Over 90% of U.S. corn production relies on biotech seeds, because these technologies are safe, they improve farmers’ yields, and they help us grow crops that are better for the environment. Mexico’s decrees over the past five years have created massive uncertainty for our farmers, businesses, and seed developers. We look forward to discussing the outcomes of this case with the incoming Trump Administration.”

Please email Sam Crowell, ASTA’s Senior Director, International Programs and Policy, if you’re interested in learning more about the USMCA biotech dispute.