Recently, the Mexican government announced that it has postponed until 2025 the ban on imports ofgenetically modified (GM) maize from the United States, which was originally scheduled to be implemented in March 2024.

This decision aims to protect the diversity of local maize varieties while reducing or eliminating the use of controversial herbicides such as glyphosate; and to more fully assess the potential impact of the ban on domestic agricultural yields and food security and seek appropriate response strategies.

This delay in the ban provides an additional window of time for the Mexican government and the agricultural industry to assess and mitigate the potential economic impact of the ban and explore sustainable alternative agricultural practices. This transition period is particularly critical for the seed industry, which may need to adjust its production strategies to accommodate the new import regulations, including by increasing the planting of non-GMO and alternative crops.

Mexico's decision has sparked an important discussion about the role of agricultural biotechnology in global trade. Currently, U.S. imports of corn are used primarily for animal feed and industrial purposes, without directly affecting traditional Mexican food products such as tortillas and white corn dough. While the ban is postponed, the relevant Mexican authorities will continue to look for alternatives to glyphosate and other potentially dangerous agrochemicals in order to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.