GM Corn Ban Updates

February 9, 2024

A timeline has formulated as efforts continue to resolve Mexico’s proposed ban on genetically modified (GM) corn for human consumption. 

 

In December 2020, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a decree promising to ban all imports of GM corn beginning in January 2024. In February 2023, a new decree was issued, focusing the proposed ban on corn for human consumption. The decree is a direct violation of the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, because it is not scientifically supported. 

 

In August 2023, the United States Trade Representative opened a dispute settlement panel working to resolve the issue. The timeline for the dispute was made public and the final report is expected in November 2024. 

 

“Exports are critical to the economic wellbeing of Illinois corn farmers, so we’ve been engaged on this issue for years,” IL Corn Director of Exports and Logistics Collin Waters said. “Mexico is a top export destination for Illinois corn, so any disruption to that supply chain can have dramatic impacts on Illinois farmers. Although the final report is not yet available, we remain confident that the panel will agree with the US position and support the requirement that all trade barriers be science-based.” 

 

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Federal Grain Inspection Service, the U.S. exported 620 million bushels of corn to Mexico in 2023. Illinois corn represented nearly 40% of all direct corn shipments from US origins. 

 

In the months ahead here are key dates in the dispute process. 

  • Mexico’s response was submitted on January 15. The translation of their comments are expected March 5. 
  • Non-government entities submissions are due on March 15. Translations will be completed April 5. 
  • Canada’s submission is due March 26 and will be translated on April 15. 
  • The United States will have a chance to rebut arguments on March 26 and will be translated on April 23. 
  • Mexico’s rebuttal is set for May 14 and translations will be released June 11. 
  • The hearing will take place the week of June 25 and is estimated to take three days. 
  • The final public report will be released November 2024. 
By Sand County Foundation August 28, 2025
Illinois Farmer Awarded Leopold Conservation Award
streambank erosion
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
Streambank Erosion: An Overlooked Threat to Illinois Farmland
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
What Experienced Farmers Wish They Knew Starting Out
Kacie and Captain us
By Jennie Abbott August 21, 2025
Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire shares about her past internship at IL Corn
whiskey
By American Craft Spirits Association August 21, 2025
The Farmer-Distiller: Best Bourbon resulted in a numerical tie, with two distilleries sharing the honor. Queens Reserve, a product of Wood Hat Spirits in Florence, Missouri scored identically to Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is produced by Pathfinder Farm Distillery in Boonsboro, Maryland.
Green corn stalks in a field, blue sky with white clouds.
By Lyndi Allen August 21, 2025
The time for change is now, action is needed from Congress and the administration after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest World Agriculture and Supply and Demand Estimates report
Show More