U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) supports the Aug. 17 action by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to establish a dispute settlement panel under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding certain Mexican agricultural measures concerning biotech corn.
Specifically, the U.S. is challenging measures set out in Mexico’s Feb. 13 decree banning the use of biotech corn in tortillas or dough, and the instruction to Mexican government agencies to gradually substitute the use of biotech corn in all products for human consumption and for animal feed, according to the USTR.
“I welcome USTR’s decision to move forward with a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement,” Sen. Fischer said. “This much-needed step will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA.”
The U.S. thus far has used the tools provided by the USMCA in attempting to resolve concerns with Mexico’s biotechnology measures and is now taking the next step in enforcing Mexico’s obligations under the USMCA, according to the USTR.
Through the USMCA dispute panel, the U.S. seeks to resolve its concerns and help ensure consumers can continue to access safe and affordable food and agricultural products, the office said.
“We must continue using every available option to stop this unscientific and economically damaging ban on genetically modified corn from coming into effect,” said Sen. Fischer. “It would harm Nebraska producers, hurt consumers in Mexico, and sabotage international trade.
“As I have said before, there can be zero compromise with Mexico on this issue,” she added.
The panel of trade experts will decide whether Mexico’s ban on GMO corn is consistent with the USMCA Agreement, and its findings would be binding.