LUBBOCK, Texas – A dispute panel of international trade experts recently ruled that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2023. The decision is a major win for Texas corn farmers, who rely heavily on the export market.

The victory is a direct result of the advocacy efforts of Texas Corn Producers Association, which joined the National Corn Growers Association and other state corn grower organizations in calling on the Biden administration to file a dispute settlement under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2023 after Mexico banned genetically modified white corn imports that year.

The organization’s leaders argued that the ban would significantly harm growers and rural communities, especially because Mexico is the number one export destination for U.S. corn. Mexico is an obvious integral player in Texas‘ corn market – playing a crucial role in market prices for farmers in the state.

“This outcome is a tremendous victory for our farmers and is a direct outcome of our advocacy efforts that have been underway for years since the initial Mexican decree of this nature in 2020,” TCPA President Jim Sugarek said. “It illustrates what we can accomplish when we work together.”

Since the enactment of USMCA, the formation of dispute panels has been uncommon and must meet a high threshold of requirements. National corn grower leaders noted the outcome is a big accomplishment.

“This is an incredible development for the nation’s corn growers and rural communities,” Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said. “This outcome is a direct result of the advocacy efforts of corn grower leaders from across the country. We want to thank the nation’s growers for speaking out and U.S. officials for listening and acting.”

Now that a decision has been made, TCPA will continue its efforts alongside NCGA to work with USTR and the incoming administration to ensure the ruling is enforced.

— Texas Corn Producers Association

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