Seed technology companies comply with Mexico’s biosafety regulations, and Mexico should do the same, BIO said today in its response to the panel set up to determine if Mexico’s ban on imports of genetically modified corn violate its commitments under the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA).Mexico’s regulatory system has functioned in a predictable and science-based manner until the current president of Mexico took office, BIO wrote. The current president’s decree banning genetically modified (GM) products for certain food uses, and eventually phasing out imports of GM corn entirely, is inconsistent with Mexico’s regulations.“It is our conclusion that the presidential decree was not motivated based on scientific evidence, old or new,” BIO wrote in its comments to the panel.Since 2005, Mexico has followed well-established food and feed safety regulations, according to BIO. Seed technology companies develop scientific data and prepare regulatory submissions to ensure compliance with Mexico’s regulations—information that is rigorously analyzed by Mexican authorities—and continually monitor for new safety information. Mexico has not changed these regulations or processes, conducted new risk assessments or produced new scientific evidence to justify a change to the country’s GM regulations.To enable free movement of corn in North America, BIO members prepare regulatory submissions in accordance with standards set forth by the Mexican authorities. BIO members do not sell GE corn seed in Mexico.The primary issue at hand is that there is no scientific justification for the Mexican government to prohibit the use of GM corn in tortillas or in any other food or feed product, BIO added.In addition to the economic harm that Mexico’s proposed ban will have on U.S. corn producers, the ban will have a devastating impact on the agricultural innovation needed to achieve our climate goals and ensure we can meet the world’s growing demand for food, BIO says.“Science-based,…

BIO President & CEO John F. Crowley announced today that BIO would take several important steps to reaffirm the organization’s position with regards to national security and the role that the industry plays as a vital strategic asset: “As a combat veteran and former Naval Intelligence Officer with JSOC and member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, I have a uniquely vivid perspective on the threats posed to the national security of America and our allies.  Specifically, the United States and our allies need a robust and vibrant American biotechnology industry.  Biotechnology is a vital strategic asset that is essential to strengthen and protect our public health generally, and as well in response to future pandemics and the potential for bioterrorism. It is also an essential element of our ability to project abroad the principles and benefits of a free and democratic society. “The capabilities and capacity to create, manufacture and distribute state-of-the-art newer and better medicines and vaccines is the foundation for America to continue its essential role as the “World’s Medicine Chest.”  Our adversaries abroad have stated that they intend to become the biotechnology center of excellence in the world.  America and our allies cannot let this happen. Securing and advancing our preeminence in biomanufacturing will be one key component of a multi-prong approach to secure and advance this strategic imperative in biotechnology.” As such, BIO is taking the following immediate steps: BIO will support the BIOSECURE Act and will work with Congress as this legislation progresses. BIO has members across the U.S. working on groundbreaking new medicines and biotechnologies. This breadth of experience and expertise provide BIO with unique perspectives into the types of policies and investments needed to ensure that the U.S. can continue to lead the world in this strategically important sector. BIO will work with policymakers on both sides of the…