CropLife Canada supports Canada’s advocacy for science-based regulation through its participation in CUSMA consultations with Mexico

CropLife Canada commends the Government of Canada for participating in dispute settlement consultations initiated by the U.S. under the Canada-US-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA). Canada is sending a strong message to Mexico about the importance of adhering to a science-based, rules-based trading system for agricultural products.

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. This cast uncertainty on the future acceptance of other types of agricultural innovations.

Canadian growers rely on access to the latest innovative tools, including pesticides and crops developed through biotechnology, to meet the food and feed needs of Canadians and the world, and to improve agricultural sustainability. Non-science-based approaches taken by our trading partners threaten important current and future agricultural innovations.

A decision by Mexico to ban products with a proven record of safety would have far-reaching consequences. 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.