By Jamie Martin
The recent decision by a USMCA dispute settlement panel has been met with approval from corn farmers in Illinois. The panel found that Mexico's ban on genetically modified (GMO) corn imports violated the terms of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which had been a point of contention for U.S. agricultural stakeholders.
Garrett Hawkins, President of the IL Corn Growers Association, expressed satisfaction with the panel's ruling, noting its alignment with the association's stance on free trade and market access.
"It's good news for Illinois corn farmers and Mexican corn importers," Hawkins stated, emphasizing the importance of the decision for states like Illinois, which leads the U.S. in corn exports.
The ruling comes after a series of actions beginning with a decree by Mexican President Lopez Obrador on December 31, 2020, to eliminate the use of glyphosate and GMO corn for human consumption.
This decree was later modified, prompting the U.S. Trade Representative to request a dispute settlement panel on August 17, 2023, to address these trade-limiting measures.
This decision is significant as Mexico is the largest importer of both yellow and white U.S. corn, making the outcome crucial for U.S. farmers looking to maintain and potentially expand their market reach.
The ruling not only supports U.S. corn farmers but also underscores the effectiveness of the USMCA in resolving trade disputes that impact agricultural exports.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: National