LINCOLN, NEB. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it has formally requested the formation of a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The panel of trade experts will decide whether Mexico’s ban on GMO corn is consistent with the USMCA Agreement, and its findings will be binding.

“I welcome USTR’s decision to move forward with a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“This much-needed step will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA.

“We must continue using every available option to stop this unscientific and economically damaging ban on genetically modified corn from coming into effect. It would harm Nebraska producers, hurt consumers in Mexico, and sabotage international trade.

“As I have said before, there can be zero compromise with Mexico on this issue.”

Background:

In June, Senator Fischer commended USTR’s decision to formally request dispute settlement consultations with Mexico concerning the country’s ban on genetically modified corn. Under the USMCA, member countries can request dispute settlement consultations to resolve trade compliance issues.

In March, USTR requested and held technical consultations with Mexico. Technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement can be pursued.

In December, Senator Fischer led 25 of her bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling for the administration to hold Mexico accountable, including by pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA.