Canada is siding with the United States in a standoff over Mexico’s proposed ban on biotech corn imports.
The announcement from Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Minister of International Trade came just days after the U.S. formally requested a dispute settlement consultation under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA). Canada will participate as a third party in the consultations.
Calling USMCA “the most successful trade agreement in the world,” Canadian Ag Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau cited more than $2 trillion of trade flowing between the three countries each year.
“The Government of Canada is committed to science-based decision-making and keeping food, feed and the environment safe, while supporting the ability of our farmers, workers and exporters to succeed in an innovative and sustainable agricultural sector,” Bibeau’s office wrote in a statement.
“Canada shares the concerns of the U.S. that Mexico’s measures are not scientifically supported and have the potential to unnecessarily disrupt trade in the North American market.”
While Canada is not a major player in global corn trade, it’s concerned with the rejection of biotechnology product applications on crops like canola — where they have a larger market presence.
“Product developers also tend to refrain from commercializing innovative agricultural tools until they receive approvals in all major markets,” Canada’s government wrote in its notice of intent to join the dispute.
Source: michiganfarmnews.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-yasonya.
Categories: Michigan, Business, Crops, Corn