Mexico Will Allow GM Corn for Animal Feed and Industrial Use

Among this week’s top stories, Mexico has removed the deadline to effectively ban genetically modified corn for animal feed and industrial use. Meanwhile, The Carbon Disclosure Project recognized Grupo Bimbo’s actions to mitigate the effects of climate change at a global level.

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Mexico Removes Deadline for Ban on GM Corn

Mexico has removed the deadline to effectively ban genetically modified (GM) corn for animal feed and industrial use, which had been set for January 2024, according to the Ministry of Economy. However, the government still plans to prohibit the consumption of GM corn and glyphosate by humans. The decision also aims to facilitate the gradual substitution of glyphosate and agrochemicals containing it as an active ingredient with alternatives that are safer for human health, biocultural diversity and diversity.

Bimbo Recognized as Environmentally Responsible

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) recognized Grupo Bimbo’s actions to mitigate the effects of climate change at a global level. Bimbo aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For 2022, 283 of the companies evaluated by CDP reached the A list, and Bimbo stood out as the only Mexican food company in this category. The food company has taken several steps to reduce carbon emissions, including the installation of solar panels and the deployment of electric vehicles. Moreover, In 2018, Bimbo partnered up with the International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to develop regenerative agriculture projects using sustainable corn and wheat crops in Mexico. 

Egg Prices in Mexico Reach MX$50/kg

In February, the price of eggs in Mexico climbed above MX$50/kg (US$2.67/kg). César de Anda, Former President, the International Egg Commission, explained that the rise in the price of eggs is mainly due to the spread of avian influenza in the US, Europe and Japan. On the other hand, PROFECO assures that there is no egg shortage in Mexico and that high prices are a reflection of seasonal effects. According to Ricardo Sheffield, Director, PROFECO, egg prices will remain around MX$50/kg (US$2.67/kg) until the beginning of March. Moreover, the costs of food products have continued to be affected by inflation. INEGI reported that in January 2023, inflation reached a 7.9% rate, a rebound from the previous 7.82% reported in December 2022.

Anonymous Appeal Blows Whistle on Michoacan’s Avocado Production

On Feb. 2, 2023, the USMCA-based Commission for Environmental Cooperation received a complaint from a Mexican citizen alleging that Michoacan’s avocado production generates an environmental impact that may be considered “ecocide.” The complainant pointed out that the area devoted to avocado production in Michoacan, Mexico's top avocado-producing state, has shown accelerated growth at the expense of the state’s forest lands. The CEC, which is mandated to ensure the compliance of environmental rules within the trade agreement, will review the petition for 30 days to determine whether it should build a dossier.

Cricket Fertilizer: A New Option for Your Garden

Francisca Castellanos, CEO, Cricket Superfoods talks about how crickets, besides being an alternative protein source, can be used to produce fertilizers that are beneficial to agriculture and the circular economy. The cricket fertilizer consists of a mixture classified as “cricket litter,” which is 98 percent pure manure and 2 percent a mix of shed cricket skins and some cricket feed.