U.S. requests dispute settlement under USMCA with Mexico

Jun 05, 2023

Ag groups are pleased the government is taking this step

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The United States is asking for dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the request on June 2 in response to “Mexican measures concerning products of agricultural biotechnology.”

Dispute settlement rules are in Chapter 31 of the USMCA.

The Mexican government published a decree in February that calls for a ban on GMO corn in tortillas or dough and instructs the government to gradually phase out GMO corn in all produces for human consumption and for animal feed.

These phase out measures would begin in 2024.

This move, according to the U.S., is “inconsistent with several of (Mexico’s) obligations in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Market Access chapters of the USMCA.”

Mexico is the second-largest market for U.S. corn, importing nearly $5 billion of it in 2022. This includes about 17 million metric tons of GMO yellow corn used for animal feed.

Multiple farm groups are pleased the U.S. government is taking the dispute settlement route with Mexico.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) thanked Representative Tai for taking the steps to hold Mexico accountable for a decision not based in science.

“AFBF appreciates U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai for bringing a case against Mexico over its ban of bioengineered corn. Unfortunately, Mexico’s President Obrador continues to ignore science and the framework of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a statement.

And banning GMO corn would hurt families on both sides of the border, the U.S. Grains Council said.

“The result of this decree as written will be to raise corn prices in Mexico, further exacerbating food security issues there, while also trying to block biotechnology as an important tool U.S. farmers can use to sustainably feed the world,” the organization said in a statement. “We will do all in our power to support the U.S. government’s consultations so free and fair trade of corn between the United States and Mexico continues as was agreed to in USMCA.”

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.