Mexico bans cultivation of genetically modified corn

The Mexican Congress has approved a constitutional reform that bans the cultivation of genetically modified corn in the country, Feedlot reports. The bill, initiated by President Claudia Sheinbaum amid trade tensions with the United States, received approval from the lower house of parliament and support from the Senate (97 votes in favor, 16 against). To enter into force, the document must be ratified by the legislatures of at least 17 of the 32 Mexican states, which are currently dominated by the ruling Morena party.

Recall that the Mexican government recently lifted restrictions on the use of GM corn in the food industry after the USMCA international commission supported the United States and recognized such restrictions as a violation of the free trade agreement. The decree on the gradual abandonment of GM corn for feed and industrial production was also canceled.

The new law will not affect imports, but will prohibit the cultivation of corn modified by methods that go beyond natural processes. At the same time, the cultivation of cereals improved by traditional breeding methods will be allowed.

Mexico is one of the largest importers of corn, especially yellow corn, which is used mainly in the feed and industrial sectors. Almost 95% of imports come from the United States, where most of the grain is genetically modified.