CropLife Canada statement on Canada’s participation in dispute settlement proceedings with Mexico regarding the use of genetically modified corn

CropLife Canada supports the Government of Canada’s participation as a third party in the dispute settlement proceedings initiated by the United States under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) regarding the use of genetically engineered corn in tortillas and dough.

Canada continues to stand firmly in defence of a science and rules-based trading system for agricultural products. In a world facing numerous challenges, including climate change and food security, it is critical that innovation is encouraged and supported through policies based on science and fair trade.

In February 2023, Mexico re-issued a Presidential Decree that, among other provisions, called for an immediate ban on the use of genetically modified corn in food and eventual substitution of genetically modified corn in feed and industrial uses.

Non-science-based approaches taken by our trading partners threaten important current and future agricultural innovations. The implementation of this Decree would have far-reaching consequences. Not only would the ban on genetically modified corn decrease productivity for Canadian and American growers but it would exacerbate the existing food security challenges in Mexico.

CropLife Canada is hopeful that the efforts by both the U.S. and Canadian governments will lead to a quick resolution of the issue and a return to a science-based, transparent and predictable regulatory pathway for agricultural innovations in Mexico.

We will continue to support the efforts of the Canadian government to ensure that growers have access to the necessary innovations to address ongoing food security, climate change and biodiversity loss challenges.