Texas Delegation Urges Dispute for Mexican GMO Corn Policy

A group of Texas members of the House of Representatives wrote to officials at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and USDA lauding their “forceful stand” against Mexican attempts to ban imports of genetically modified corn, and urging them to file a USMCA dispute if an agreement with Mexico is not reached.

Led by Republican Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Feb. 7 letter said Texas farmers “would be the first to feel the impact of these proposed measures,” which are slated to take effect Jan. 31, 2024. Mexico was the leading purchaser of U.S. corn in the 2021-22 marketing year, and the proposed “ban would devastate American farmers that are already struggling with increased input, fuel, and shipping costs,” it said. “American com producers are currently preparing for the 2023/2024 marketing year and the uncertainty of these restrictive measures is costing our farmers today.”

Republican Reps. Ronny Jackson, Beth Van Duyne, Monica De La Cruz, Michael McCaul, Brian Babin and Jake Ellzey also signed the letter, as did Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

“The U.S. must double down against Mexico’s proposed ban of genetically modified corn to prevent unfair trade barriers and protect the credibility of USMCA,” Arrington said in a news release. “If our federal government bypasses a vetted tool with bipartisan support to assist with their negotiations, then they are sidestepping a pivotal opportunity to implement this crucial dispute settlement mechanism.”