Mexico Confirms Glyphosate Ban Date as Environmental Groups Slam U.S. Govt Interference

The Center for Biological Diversity and Greenpeace México have strongly condemned the United States’ heavy-handed intervention into Mexico’s decision to phase out genetically engineered (GE) corn that’s produced using pesticide-intensive farming practices and the herbicide glyphosate.

February 24, 2023 | Source: Sustainable Pulse

Earlier this month the new U.S. agriculture trade chief Doug McKalip demanded Mexico provide answers to questions about the planned phaseout by Feb. 14 as part of the United States’ threats to respond to Mexico’s decision with punitive steps, including filing formal trade complaints.

In response, last Monday Mexico issued a new decree eliminating the January 2024 deadline for phasing out industrial and feed corn that is genetically engineered, with no firm replacement date provided. Mexico maintained its commitment to phase out GE corn for flour, dough and tortillas, and established a March 31, 2024 date for phasing out glyphosate.

The decree stated that Mexico will revoke authorizations and permits to import, produce, distribute and use the herbicide glyphosate, a plan it has had since late 2020. A transition period will be in effect until March 31, 2024.