Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) President Brent Rogers, Hoxie, is one of 23 state corn grower presidents to sign a letter to President Biden Wednesday calling for him to take additional steps to address the pending decree by the president of Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn.
“This is a big issue for corn farmers in Kansas and across the U.S,” Rogers said. “Most of the corn U.S. farmers grow is biotech. It helps us produce corn more efficiently and more sustainably. Mexico is the #1 export buyer of U.S. corn, and we have built good relationships with Mexican buyers. We can’t afford to lose those relationships, and neither can the people of Mexico who rely on our corn for feed and food.”
The National Corn Growers Association, KCGA and other state corn associations have brought national attention to this important trade issue. NCGA and the state corn associations are asking that the president empower Ambassador Katherine Tai to work with Secretary Vilsack to set a firm, quick timeline with Mexico to withdraw the decree or initiate a case under the biotechnology provisions of the U.S-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). If the decree is not completely withdrawn, the letter asks the Biden administration to initiate a case under USMCA.
Decades of science show that biotech corn is safe for use. These corn varieties are reviewed by the FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world. Growers plant biotech corn, which is reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and regulatory agencies around the world, because it saves money, reduces the use of insecticides, and lowers carbon emissions. This technology also allows farmers to grow corn that is more resistant to severe weather conditions.
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn