Mexico Issues Decree Banning GM Corn

The Mexican government has officially issued a decree in the DOF, prohibiting the use of genetically modified (GM) corn throughout the country. This decree formalizes constitutional reforms to Art. 4 and 27, which aim to conserve and protect native corn varieties. The decree is set to take effect today.

The publication of the decree comes just hours after President Claudia Sheinbaum signed it into law, reiterating during her morning conference that the primary objectives of the reform are to "guarantee biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the health of Mexicans."

The amendment to Art. 4 specifies that corn cultivation in Mexico must remain free from genetic modifications produced by techniques that go beyond the natural barriers of reproduction or recombination, such as transgenic methods. Any use of GM corn must undergo legal scrutiny to ensure it poses no threat to biosafety, public health, or the country’s biocultural heritage.

Art. 27 further outlines that the State will work to create conditions that promote rural, cultural, economic, and health development for the law to be properly enforced. The government will prioritize creating employment opportunities and ensuring the well-being of the rural population. It will also support agricultural and forestry initiatives, particularly those focused on traditional crops using native seeds, like the milpa system, to ensure the optimal use of land while avoiding the cultivation of genetically modified corn.

US-Mexico Corn Dispute

This ban is part of a broader initiative led by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who emphasized the importance of protecting native corn varieties and preserving Mexico’s biodiversity. In December 2024, a trade dispute panel ruled in favor of the United States regarding Mexico’s restrictions on genetically modified (GM) corn, stating that the measures violated USMCA. The panel argued that Mexico’s actions lacked scientific evidence and infringed on the market access provisions agreed upon under the trade deal. As a result, Mexico was given 45 days to revise its policies or risk facing punitive tariffs. In response to the ruling, President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated a reform to proceed with a nationwide ban on planting GM corn by 2025, reaffirming the government's commitment to safeguarding public health, environmental sustainability, and Mexico's agricultural heritage.