In a significant policy reversal, the Mexican government has lifted its ban on the importation of genetically modified (GM) corn for human consumption, a restriction that had been in place since February 13, 2023. The decision was made to comply with a ruling issued by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute resolution panel at the end of 2024. The panel concluded that Mexico could not legally prevent the importation of genetically modified corn from the United States and Canada.
The Ministry of Economy announced the cancellation of the previous decree in the Official Gazette of the Federation, emphasizing the importance of avoiding trade retaliations from partner countries. The United States, in particular, had exerted pressure on Mexico by threatening tariffs to ensure compliance with the trade agreement.
Economic and Trade Considerations
The United States is the world’s leading producer of corn, with a significant portion of its production derived from genetically modified seeds. Between 2023 and 2024, the U.S. exported nearly 60 million tons of corn, according to journalist Luis Hernández Navarro of La Jornada. Mexico remains the largest importer of American yellow corn, with a market valued at approximately $5 billion annually. Data from the Ministry of Finance indicate that imports of yellow corn increased from 31% to 39% between 2016 and 2022.
Government’s Response and Future Plans
Although the decree reversal was anticipated after the USMCA panel’s decision, the Ministry of Economy clarified that the ruling pertained solely to trade between Mexico and the United States. The Ministry also expressed support for upcoming legislative initiatives aimed at prohibiting the planting of genetically modified corn within national borders.
To reinforce this stance, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration is preparing a constitutional reform to ban the domestic cultivation of genetically modified corn. However, advocacy groups warn that this reform may be insufficient, as it could still leave loopholes for other genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to enter Mexican agriculture.
A Historical Struggle Against GMOs
The introduction of genetically modified crops in Mexico dates back to 1988 when the government authorized experimental testing of genetically modified tomatoes. This set the stage for trials involving other crops, including corn, soybeans, and cotton.
Corn, a staple of Mexican cuisine and a symbol of the country’s agricultural heritage, has been particularly affected. After the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the introduction of GM corn significantly disrupted native corn varieties, soils, and associated crops like squash.
In 1998, the newly established National Commission for Agricultural Biosecurity (CNBA) imposed a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically modified corn, recognizing Mexico as a center of origin for the crop. However, trade dynamics stemming from NAFTA led to the widespread presence of GM corn in the Mexican countryside. By 2004, one-third of the corn consumed in Mexico was imported from the United States.
Impact on Peasant and Indigenous Communities
The dismantling of state-supported agricultural systems, such as the National Company for Popular Subsistence (Conasupo), further exacerbated the challenges faced by local farmers. This policy shift undermined the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of peasant and indigenous families who relied on corn cultivation.
Transnational corporations, including Bayer-Monsanto, Syngenta, and DuPont, have since dominated the seed market, controlling over 80% through patents as of 2008. These companies have a significant presence in Mexican agriculture and are members of the Mexican Seed Association.
Health and Environmental Concerns
A 2001 study published in Nature by Ignacio Chapela and David Quist revealed extensive contamination of native corn varieties in Oaxaca and Puebla due to GM crops. Subsequent research presented during the USMCA dispute panel highlighted health risks associated with genetically modified crops, including the use of glyphosate-based herbicides. Studies have linked exposure to these chemicals to kidney and liver damage, among other health concerns.
Residues of Bt toxins and glyphosate have been detected in tortillas and other corn-derived products in Mexico, raising alarms about food safety.
A Persistent Debate
Despite mounting evidence, successive Mexican governments have often aligned their policies with corporate interests. The 2004 Biosecurity and Genetically Modified Organisms Law, dubbed the “Monsanto Law,” and the lifting of the 1998 moratorium during Felipe Calderón’s administration in 2009 allowed for experimental GM corn cultivation.
Legal battles have continued over the years. In 2013, the Semillas de Vida Foundation and the Collective Plaintiff in Defense of Native Corn secured a court ruling that prohibited the commercial planting of GM corn and regulated experimental crops. The Supreme Court of Justice upheld this decision in 2021, which was later reinforced by President López Obrador’s 2023 decree.
Looking Ahead
As the Mexican government complies with the USMCA ruling to avoid trade disputes, it faces growing pressure from citizen organizations and environmental advocates to protect native corn and food sovereignty. The proposed constitutional reform to ban the cultivation of genetically modified corn will be closely watched, as the country grapples with balancing international trade obligations and the preservation of its agricultural heritage.
The debate over genetically modified corn in Mexico underscores a broader struggle between economic interests, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation—a challenge that will continue to shape the country’s agricultural and trade policies in the years to come.
