July 5, 2023

Mexican corn production rises thanks to free fertiliser programme

Mexico is expected to produce approximately 28.5 million metric tonnes of corn this year, the country's agriculture ministry said, thanks to the government's free fertiliser programme aimed at supporting small-scale farmers, Devdiscourse reported.

This significant growth, representing both white and yellow corn varieties, amounts to an increase of over 2 million metric tonnes. Official data indicates that white corn, crucial for making Mexico's staple food tortillas, is projected to reach a production of 24.9 million metric tonnes, while yellow corn could reach 3.61 million metric tonnes.

This boost in corn production comes at a time when Mexico is entangled in a dispute with trading partners, the US and Canada, over its policies to restrict the use of genetically-modified (GM) corn.

Mexico currently imports around US$5 billion worth of US corn annually, predominantly consisting of GM yellow corn used for livestock feed. However, a government decree seeks to gradually substitute GM corn and impose a ban on its use in tortillas or dough.

The US and Canada have initiated trade dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), arguing that Mexico's plan lacks a scientific basis.

In response, Mexico has stated its intention to counter these arguments, emphasising that the ban will not adversely affect trade with the US.

-      Devdiscourse