White Corn Will Remain in Mexico

Among this week’s top stories, the Mexican government announced a temporary 50% tax on white corn exports. Meanwhile, food inflation reached 12.85% at the end of 2022. 

Ready for more? Here is your weekly roundup!

Mexico Announces Temporary 50% Tax on White Corn Exports

President López Obrador signed a decree for a temporary 50% tax on white corn exports. The decree which will remain in force until June 30, 2023 aims to guarantee supply and price stability on this product. According to data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, domestic production reached 23 million tons of white corn in 2022. During 2022, Mexico exported 238,000 tons and imported 614,000 tons between January and October. Mexico imports about 17 million tons of corn from the US every year, and about 18% to 20% of imports are white corn. Currently, both countries are in talks regarding President López Obrador’s ban on GM corn. 

Food Inflation Reached 12.85% by End of 2022

According to INEGI, by the end of 2022, Mexican food prices increased 12.85% compared to December 2021. The Mexican Association ¿Cómo Vamos? Pointed out that these numbers represented the largest increase in food prices since 1998 when the price hike reached 21.96%. Among the food products that presented significant cost increases are corn tortilla with a 19% increase, chicken with 8.77%, bread with 19.32%, beef with 7.50%, milk with 13.74% and orange with 40.2%. An analysis performed by Banco Base revealed a gradual slowdown of inflation for 2023, to close the year at 5.1%. However, according to the analysis, this remains an exceedingly high percentage, well above Banxico’s target of 3%.

Multilateral Working Group Will Strengthen Pesticides Regulation

The governments of Mexico, the US and Canada committed to strengthening regulations on pesticides for agricultural use. Amada Vélez, Director General, SENASICA, highlighted that collaboration between SENASICA, COFEPRIS, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency is essential to achieve an efficient and science-based pesticide registration system. Members of the North American Technical Working Group on Pesticides said they aim to promote more efficient use of water and soil to protect natural resources and assure that people can access safe, healthy produce.

Mexico Cannot Be Forced to Import US GM Corn, Study Says

According to a study from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and the Laboratory of Analysis in Commerce, Economy and Business, Mexico cannot be forced to accept GM corn exports from the US. Sharon Anglin, Senior Lawyer, IATP, assured that the section on agricultural biotechnology in the USMCA treaty is clear and does not have enough legal base for the US government to start a trade dispute against Mexico over this issue. On the other hand, US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stated that the US government is unwilling to make any commitments regarding Mexico’s proposal to put off the implementation of the ban on GM corn until 2025.

It’s Not Just Crickets, It’s Being A Startup With Triple Impact

Francesca Castellanos, CEO of Crick Superfoods explains the importance of alternative protein sources in a global scenario. Crick Superfoods is a triple impact startup that is seeking to improve nutrition by offering clean-label food products and decreasing environmental pollution by using cricket powder. According to Francesca, cricket protein is a source of high fiber and amino acids, among other components necessary for good nutrition. She also highlighted that the environmental impact of breeding crickets is much smaller in comparison to meat production, due to the low consumption and demand for resources, the use of space, and the lower generation of CO2 during the production process. Moreover, Crick Superfoods ensures it has a social impact by donating 5 percent of the total monthly sales of its cricket tortilla chip nachos to the Quito Food Bank (QFB). Click on the link to find out more about the work of Crick Superfoods. 

Overview of the Global Food System and the Forces That Impact It

Ana Claudia Cerasoli, President for the Meso-Andean region of Corteva Agriscience outlines different factors that have impacted food security, based on The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2022. According to Cerasoli, GFSI 2022 reveals a close connection between security and collaboration between public, private and nongovernmental organizations that must collaborate to build a solid and resilient food system. In this regard, companies like Corteva collaborate with farmers around the world to help them access cutting-edge technology and boost their financial and productive security to improve access, availability, and quality of food for the world's population. Click on the link to read the article.