US Farmers Back Up Mexico’s Decision to Reject GM Corn

US farmers backed up Mexico’s decision to reject GM corn exports from the US. According to some Illinois farmers interviewed by Reuters, the US should agree to sell non-GMO corn to Mexico and note they could earn a premium for growing more conventional corn.

In February, 2023, the Mexican government issued a new decree on GM corn, which allows its use for animal feed and industrial manufacturing, but not for human consumption. The Biden administration said those restrictions would violate USMCA, since Mexico's proposed restriction on corn for human consumption is expected to affect white corn imports, used primarily for tortillas, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) report. 

In March 2023, the US government requested trade consultations with Mexico as the first formal step toward a dispute settlement panel. Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture, said on March 30 that he expects the administration will "ultimately compel" Mexico to reverse its policy. Moreover, Industry groups including the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), are pushing the US administration to oppose Mexico's proposals. “Mexico is drawing a safety distinction between corn used for food and animal feed without material scientific justification,” reads a letter directed to President Biden. Likewise, US diplomats such as Chuck Grassey, Republican Senator, have expressed their discontent with how the US government has handled this issue so far. According to Grassey, a firm response from the USTR is needed to let Mexico know that it has to change its policy on GM corn.  

Some US farmers, however, say the US should back off and agree to sell non-GMO corn to Mexico, rather than deepen a trade dispute over the proposal. "I'm all for free and fair trade," said Fred Huddlestun, a GM corn and soy farmer in Illinois. "When they get to the point where they are pushing somebody to buy something they do not want, then I have concerns about that," he added. Matt Swanson, another Illinois-based farmer who cultivates non-GM corn, posted on Twitter that the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pushing too far on "making trading partners swallow possible unwanted cereals." 

"It seems to me like the secretary and this administration are not standing up for all farmers," said Greg Gunthorp, an Indiana pork and poultry farmer who feeds non-GMO corn to livestock. "What they are really standing up for is the big companies," he pointed. US farmers share a complicated relationship with seed companies. Although growers benefit from yield-improving and pest-killing agricultural technology, some are unhappy with consolidation in the sector and the amount of sway the companies have over US agriculture. Companies like Bayer have spent hundreds of millions of dollars developing GM crops and defending the safety of GM foods. According to data by the USDA, four companies sell more than 75% of corn and soybean seeds in the country.

Reuters spoke to about 10 growers and grain traders who said the US should not require Mexico to continue importing GM corn. Other growers remain worried about the extra work required to grow non-GM crops. However, many would consider growing more non-GMO corn, if the price were right. "You need to make it worth my while. Twenty percent premium would probably be the minimum," said Illinois farmer Dave Kestel.