in collaboration with Representative Jodey Arrington’s office
Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led a bipartisan group of Texas Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs Alexis Taylor, commending the trade officials for their continued rejection of Mexico’s proposal on a ban of genetically modified (GM) corn. Additionally, the Members urged the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to utilize the USMCA (United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement) enforcement mechanism if a solution between the two governments does not arise.
“The U.S. must double down against Mexico’s proposed ban of genetically modified corn to prevent unfair trade barriers and protect the credibility of USMCA,” Rep. Arrington said. “If our federal government bypasses a vetted tool with bipartisan support to assist with their negotiations, then they are sidestepping a pivotal opportunity to implement this crucial dispute settlement mechanism.”
“Banning biotech corn into Mexico would deliver a blow to American corn growers that would be felt by Texas farmers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “That’s why it is extremely important that U.S. officials continue to ensure that Mexico lives up to its commitments under USMCA.”
“Upholding the integrity of USMCA is essential to Texas agriculture, which is directly threatened by Mexico’s decree to ban biotech corn imports. As the largest importer of U.S. corn, Mexican grain buyers play a pivotal role in the market for Texas corn farmers – meaning it’s our state’s family farmers who would be the first to feel the impact should this violation of the USMCA take effect. The decree’s assertion against biotech corn is verifiably false – decades of science show that biotech corn is safe for us,” Texas Corn Producers Association Executive Vice President David Gibson said. “Recognizing the threat of this decree, Congressman Arrington stepped forward to bring light to this issue early on. We appreciate these friends of agriculture on the House Ways & Means and Ag Committees championing these efforts and encourage the administration to join them.”
Read the full text of the letter HERE.
