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Mexico to allow U.S. potato imports for first time in 15 years
U.S. potato growers will have full access to the Mexican market for the first time in 15 years.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement while visiting his counterpart in Mexico Tuesday.
“We expect that we’ll see some expediting of registrations for entities that will qualify as importers for both table-stock potatoes and processing potatoes. And for the first time we have a date certain of not later than May 15th.”
Vilsack says he also met with Mexico’s president and the genetically modified corn ban was discussed.
“I believe that we can work collaboratively with the Mexican department of agriculture and other agencies of the Mexican government to try to get many of the biotechnology traits that are currently awaiting approval, to try and get them through the process.”
Mexico’s president has issued a ban on GMO corn by 2024.
Vilsack says he emphasized the important role biotechnology can play in meeting the needs of Mexican agriculture and food productivity.
Heritage corn will be lost in Mexico.