Hinson hopes decision comes soon to overturn Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn

MARION — A panel decision on Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn imports is expected to be announced soon. Mexico issued the ban in early 2023 and the United States Trade Representative filed a dispute settlement under the US Mexico Canada Trade Agreement in August.

North-central Iowa congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she hopes the decision goes the right way for Iowa’s farm producers.  “When the USMCA was passed, I think the expectation was that that deal would be upheld, and Mexico needs to meet their end of the deal, so we’re obviously watching this very closely. It has a huge impact on our producers because our number one and number two trading partners are the US and Mexico.”

Hinson says she’s voiced her concerns to the Mexican Ambassador to the United States.  “I actually had the opportunity to have dinner with the Mexican Ambassador to the United States just a few weeks ago, and this is certainly one of the things that I brought up in our conversation, as well as that I expect that when trade deals are negotiated, that trade deals are followed. That will continue to be my approach, and I look forward to working with USDA to make sure we’re getting the best deal possible for our producers.”

In 2023, the US exported $13.1 billion in corn, approximately $5.4 billion of which went to Mexico. According to the USDA, over 90% of corn in the US is produced using genetically modified engineered varieties.