Recent actions taken by the Mexican government are inconsistent with its United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agricultural biotechnology commitments and it’s time for the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to step in, according to a bipartisan letter led by U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE).
“USTR must ensure all our trading partners maintain science-based biotech regulatory systems so that our farmers can utilize American innovation to sustainably feed the world,” wrote Rep. Smith and 23 other lawmakers in a Dec. 9 letter sent to USTR Katherine Tai. “Ignoring Mexico’s disregard for its USMCA commitments sends a signal to our other trading partners that they may take similar actions without repercussions.”
Among the members who joined Rep. Smith in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Carol Miller (R-WV), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Dan Kildee (D-MI).
Rep. Smith and his colleagues wrote that because the Mexican government has not lived up to its ag biotech-related commitments in the USMCA, the USTR should promptly request dispute settlement consultations with Mexico on several issues.
“It is important that you take this action now, as opposed to waiting,” wrote the lawmakers, citing several reasons, including that the Mexican government has not maintained a science-based biotech regulatory system for the past four years and is moving forward with the implementation of a presidential decree to phase out the importation of genetically engineered corn by January 2024.
“These policies are not based on science and may decrease the supply of corn in North American agricultural supply chains,” they wrote. “These actions, in addition to going against the terms of the USMCA, could increase food prices and food insecurity caused by Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine.”
Additionally, Mexico’s actions could negatively impact American farmers’ decision to utilize innovative technologies that promote increased agricultural productivity and sustainability.
“Thousands of growers throughout rural America must look ahead to the next planting season and are already purchasing seed for the spring 2023 planting season. What U.S. growers purchase this fall and plant this spring will be in grain channels as late as 2025,” wrote Rep. Smith and the lawmakers. “Farmers must have the guarantee that the crops they plant next year will be able to be sold in the following marketing year.”