Washington, D.C. –Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) issued the following statement after the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) office announced it would initiate formal talks with Mexico as outlined in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding Mexico’s proposed ban of imports of genetically modified corn: 

“I am pleased the Biden Administration is taking this long-overdue action that will help protect Indiana farmers and our ag economy by holding Mexico to its trade commitments. 

“Mexico’s proposed ban on most U.S. corn imports is in direct violation of the USMCA, which is why I wrote a letter to the Biden Administration in January imploring them to enforce the trade agreements we have on the books.  

“Going forward, I will continue to fight for a level playing field and go to bat for Hoosier farmers and the hardworking men and women who help feed our nation and the entire world.”

Background:

• On January 25, 2023, Reps. Yakym and Greg Pence (IN-06) wrote a letter to USTR and U.S. Department of Agriculture signed by other Republican Members of the Indiana delegation urging USTR to prioritize resolving Mexico’s proposed ban on imports of most U.S. corn.