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Commodity group says farmers should stay engaged with Mexico, US GM corn ban

The head of a state commodity group says the clock is ticking for a resolution to Mexico’s impending ban on genetically modified corn.

Nebraska Corn Board Executive Director Kelly Brunkhorst tells Brownfield the disagreement creates uncertainty for farmers purchasing seed for the next growing season. “Those decisions are being made now and that’s what why we are continually putting pressure on the administration to engage and find a resolution on this issue or take that step of engagement of an enforcement case with Mexico.”

Until the issue is resolved, Brunkhorst says farmers should be proactive with their grain merchandiser. “Because they’re the ones who have the connections down in Mexico and selling direct down there and can get a gauge of whether there is pressure being put on Mexico to look at non-GMO products, or if there will be other opportunities for GM products to flow freely into Mexico.”

He says Secretary Vilsack’s recent visit to Mexico is a good start to resolve the matter. “We really appreciate the engagement that Secretary Vilsack is undertaking. Obviously, it’s very important to farmers because of following the science of what GM and GM products are, but also, because of the framework of what USCMA says for opportunity and engagement.”

And, Brunkhost says, farmers should stay engaged with their Congressional representatives and commodity groups.

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