Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, 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,” said Rep. Arrington. “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.”

“Mexico’s decree to ban imports of genetically modified (GM) corn undermines the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and would have a severe negative impact on farmers in our state and across the nation,” said Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening. “Texas Farm Bureau appreciates leaders of the USTR and USDA as well as Congressman Jodey Arrington and leaders of the U.S. House Agriculture and Ways and Means Committees for taking a firm stand on this issue to hold Mexico accountable and uphold the free trade agreement between the U.S. and our North American trading partners.”

“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,” said Texas Corn Producers Association Executive Vice President David Gibson. “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.”

 Full text of the letter can be found here.