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Former USDA trade undersecretary discusses Mexico’s proposed corn ban

Mexico’s proposed ban on biotech corn continues to be in the limelight.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney says he believes the issue will be resolved before a ban is imposed.  

“It’s not like you can just stop sourcing from the U.S. and go get non-GM somewhere else. With the volumes we ship to Mexico, we would have to scale up massively with new, non-GM seed to fulfill their poultry, pork, beef, and dairy needs. There’s no alternative. We are the cheapest source because of our proximity. You could say go to Brazil, but it’s more expensive and they have the same technology we do. It’s the same with Argentina. So, it’s just been perplexing all along.”

The former USDA undersecretary says he’s pleased with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack’s stance on the issue.

“I’m so appreciative and I know all of agriculture is appreciative of Secretary Vilsack for being very strong on this issue,” he says. “When he went and visited officials in Mexico, we knew he would not have done so if he had not had the support of the president and the West Wing. That was a good affirmation.”

He says his successor Alexis Taylor and Chief Ag Negotiator Doug McKalip have reaffirmed the stance “that this is not science-based in decision making and it is clearly contrary to the rules of the recently signed USMCA. Where is the country oing to get the corn and are you going to put your own farmers out of business. I remain optimistic it’s going to be resolved because it simply has to be. Not only for us, but for them and their farmers.”

Brownfield interviewed McKinney during the 2023 Agricultural Summit by First Farmers Bank and Trust.

Audio: Ted McKinney

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