Mexico constitutionally bans the cultivation of genetically modified corn

Legal background and the new regulation

The bill was introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum after an international trade dispute settlement panel ruled in December that Mexico’s previous restrictions violated the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As a result, Mexico withdrew its regulation on the import of GM corn, but is now raising the ban on its cultivation to constitutional level.

The decision is based on the Mexican government’s position that GM corn varieties could threaten native plants and biocultural heritage. The law passed by a vote of 409 to 69, declaring native corn an “element of national identity.” The law requires that any further use of GM corn be strictly reviewed to ensure that it does not endanger the country’s biological safety and public health.

Economic and international implications

Mexico imports about $5 billion worth of US GM corn annually, mainly as animal feed. The new law could affect not only cultivation but also other uses of GM corn, potentially sparking further disputes with the United States.

The Group for Agricultural Markets (GCMA) has warned that the US government could take retaliatory measures if Mexico fails to comply with the terms of the USMCA. The new law could lead to further trade conflicts that could affect agricultural cooperation between the two countries.