US Still Dissatisfied With Mexican Approach to GMO Corn Imports

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip and U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor, after meeting with Mexican officials over Mexico's plans to phase out the importation of genetically engineered crops, said they appreciate proposed modifications to the presidential decree. "However, these changes are not sufficient and Mexico’s proposed approach, which is not grounded in science, still threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in bilateral agricultural trade, cause serious economic harm to U.S. farmers and Mexican livestock producers, and stifle important innovations needed to help producers respond to pressing climate and food security challenges," they said.

They said they continue to emphasize the U.S. government's concerns. "We appreciate our Mexican counterparts’ time and dedication in trying to hammer out a solution," they said, but added that, during their Jan. 23 meeting, they made it clear "that if this issue is not resolved, we will consider all options, including taking formal steps to enforce our rights under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.”