Plant science sector commends the Government of Canada for defending science-based decision making and rules-based trade during North American Leaders’ Summit

U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently joined Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in Mexico City during a trilateral summit to promote a common vision for North America. Among the topics discussed were agriculture. Agricultural trade between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. expanded significantly under the North American Free Trade Agreement and it stands to grow further under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), creating economic growth and bolstering food security across the continent.

CropLife Canada commends the Government of Canada for its strong defense of rules-based trade and science-based regulation for agricultural innovations during the North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS). The broadening food security concerns and supply chain disruptions around the world have highlighted the benefits of North America’s robust agricultural trade. Farmers globally are increasingly faced with the need to produce more food from fewer resources and under less predictable growing conditions, while at the same time being tasked with helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Plant science innovations are critical tools as North America works toward sustainable productivity growth. Mexico’s proposed bans on some uses of genetically modified corn and glyphosate are in stark contrast to the three countries’ shared commitments under CUSMA to science- and risk-based regulatory approval processes for agricultural biotechnology and crop protection products.

We encourage the Government of Canada to continue to advocate for Mexico’s adherence to CUSMA. Non-scientific bans on agricultural technology threaten both domestic and global food security, while at the same time acting as barriers to economic growth and the ability to achieve important sustainability goals.

We look forward to an ongoing dialogue between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that will ultimately result in strengthened cooperation and transparency between the three countries and will continue to allow the trade of safe and nutritious agricultural products.