A trade dispute panel has ruled against Mexico’s restrictions on the use of genetically modified (GM or genetically engineered) corn, siding with the United States and Canada in forcing Mexico to allow the use of GM corn for food.(1) Mexico’s restrictions were challenged under the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA, or USMCA) as being a disguised trade restriction, by the US government with support from Canada as a third party.

“This trade panel decision runs counter to a national consensus in Mexico on the threat of GM corn to Mexico’s food sovereignty,” said Cathy Holtslander of the National Farmers Union in Canada. “The people of Mexico have the right to protect their unique relationship with corn.”