Chuck Conner, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), has expressed concerns over Mexico's ban on biotech corn for human consumption, urging a reconsideration of the decision.
The U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) recently announced that it is initiating a dispute settlement process under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in response to the ban.
Conner, an Indiana native and Purdue University graduate, has a deep understanding of agricultural policies and trade. He attributes the confusion and potential economic repercussions to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his administration's actions. Conner emphasizes the importance of sound science in decision-making and asserts that Mexico's ban lacks a scientific basis, posing a threat to the agricultural economies of both countries.
While acknowledging that resolving the dispute may take several years due to the lengthy process involved, Conner expresses a preference for a settlement. However, he suggests that utilizing the available legal mechanisms may be necessary if an amicable resolution cannot be reached.
Conner believes that the leadership in Mexico needs to consider the significant benefits that trade, including provisions under NAFTA and the USMCA, has brought to the country. He highlights the importance of maintaining a strong trading partnership and hopes that common sense and a science-based approach will prevail in resolving the issue.
As the USTR proceeds with the dispute settlement, an impartial panel of experts will evaluate the case based on the commitments outlined in the USMCA. Conner's remarks underscore the need for both countries to work towards a resolution that considers scientific evidence and supports the long-standing trade relationship between the United States and Mexico.
Photo Credit: National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Categories: Indiana, Business, Crops, Corn