The decree on the importation of these products was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on February 13 of this year.
The agency headed by Raquel Buenrostro reported in a statement that “it will demonstrate with hard data and evidence” three points:
1. The exclusive use of native corn for the dough and the tortilla has no affectation or commercial interest for the United States, since Mexico produces twice as much white corn as it allocates to the tortilla, the staple food of the Mexicans.
To the extent that this provision encourages Mexico to preserve its production with native seeds, it is paid in compliance with the environmental chapter of the TMEC, in which the three countries pledged to care for biodiversity.
2. Thanks to the new decree, the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) has been able to authorize new biotech corn seeds and reassess previous denials. Corn imported from the United States is complementary and is intended for industrial use and animal feed.
3. The decree proposes that the industry and the forage sector transition from using genetically modified corn to non-genetically modified corn, this will not mean trade restrictions, as indicated in the USTR request for consultations.
The transition will take place gradually and in a sustainable manner, strengthening the competitiveness and productivity of the Mexican countryside in full respect of the international commitments signed by Mexico.
“We hope that the good faith of all parties prevails in these consultations and that differences are addressed without involving other considerations beyond the strictly commercial ones. The strong commercial ties between the two countries force us to act responsibly and with a high vision,” Economía said in the statement.
