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McKalip says Mexico’s GM corn ban not science-based

The chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative’s office says there are contrasting views in Mexico when it comes to biotech corn imports.  Doug McKalip tells Brownfield the U.S. seeks science-based uniformity from Mexico within USMCA guidelines. “It will likely take until spring of 2024 to get the panel proceedings wrapped up. We are confident we have a strong case that can make sure that trade continues to work.”

McKalip says the dispute panel action challenging Mexico’s presidential decree is the first use of the sanitary and phytosanitary provisions of the USMCA agreement, and the USTR staff is working to keep trade flowing. “Farmers are certainly selling product. We want to make sure that continues. We don’t want to have a disruption based upon the presidential decree that the Mexican president has issued.”

McKalip says he’s confident the U.S. will win its challenge to Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn.

McKalip says the U.S. currently sells 28 billion dollars worth of products to Mexico each year, including about five billion dollars worth of corn.

Audio: USTR Ag Negotiator Doug McKalip discusses Mexico’s GM corn ban, the dispute resolution, and other trade with Brownfield’s Larry Lee