U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after a dispute panel announced its finding that Mexico had violated its commitments under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with its ban on GMO corn:
“I’ve been clear from the start—the United States would not accept Mexico’s unscientific ban against genetically modified corn. This ruling will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA. This decision is a victory for family farmers, Mexican consumers, and the future of agricultural technology innovation. I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to continue to hold Mexico accountable and ensure Nebraska’s farmers have access to the markets they rely on,” said Senator Fischer.
Under USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the report to comply with the ruling.
Background:
In 2022, Senator Fischer led 25 of her bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling for the administration to hold Mexico accountable, including by pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA.
In March of 2023, USTR requested and held technical consultations with Mexico. Technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement can be pursued.
That following June, Senator Fischer commended USTR’s decision to formally request dispute settlement consultations with Mexico concerning the country’s ban on genetically modified corn. Under the USMCA, member countries can request dispute settlement consultations to resolve trade compliance issues.