Fearful of bans on genetically modified grains, Canada joins US in requesting formal trade talks with Mexico

Credit: Pixabay (CC0)
Credit: Pixabay (CC0)

Canada asked for formal consultations with Mexico over the Latin American nation’s restrictions on genetically modified agricultural imports under their free-trade agreement, following a separate request by the US focused on corn earlier this week.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on sustainable agriculture, biomedicine, and other ‘disruptive’ innovations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

The move came a day after the Biden administration asked for consultations on biotech farm products including corn under the US-Mexico-Canada agreement’s chapter on food-safety measures. Those are a prerequisite for formal dispute-resolution talks, like those that the countries have already had on automobiles and energy. Dispute talks could be requested if the technical discussions don’t take place or don’t lead to a resolution.

The Mexican government has moved to limit imports and use of GMO corn, saying that it could pose a danger to the health of the nation’s citizens. The US has taken the lead in pushing back, saying that Mexico’s concerns aren’t based in science.

But [Canada] is concerned overall about Mexico putting arbitrary prohibitions on agriculture produced using biotechnology, according to the people familiar with the matter. Canada is the world’s top producer and exporter of canola, a genetically-modified crop that is used in everything from deep-frying to salad dressing, with Mexico one of the top buyers.

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.