In the past seven years, the U.S. Grains Council has built a strong and productive partnership with GRUMA, Mexico’s largest tortilla and corn masa producer, to expand U.S. white corn exports.
In 2024, following the successful reversal of Mexico’s 2023 corn decree banning GMO corn for use in tortillas, the Council leveraged Market Access Program (MAP) funds to facilitate GRUMA’s procurement of 300,000 tons of non-GMO white corn. The Council and U.S. white corn farmers were keen to supply this market as it was driven by GRUMA’s marketing preference for non-GMO products, not policy-mandated.
Through this collaboration, the Council has facilitated connections between GRUMA and new U.S. suppliers, organized farm visits to showcase sustainable white corn production practices, and delivered educational programs that have deepened GRUMA’s confidence in U.S. supply chains and farmers’ abilities to safely grow GM or non-GM, as their market demands.
When the first corn decree was introduced in 2020, the Council worked closely with GRUMA to advocate for its reversal. Since then, GRUMA has faced increased public and regulatory scrutiny due to its market share and visibility, particularly concerning the use of genetically modified (GMO) corn. In response, the Council supported GRUMA in launching a non-GMO white corn sourcing program, collaborating with U.S. suppliers and farmers to meet this critical need.
In October 2024, the Council hosted GRUMA’s procurement team on a tour of Nebraska’s corn farms, Central Valley Ag and Missouri’s LDC Elevator, showcasing sustainable practices like irrigation and soil health management. This initiative not only safeguarded a reliable white corn supply for GRUMA but also demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of U.S. agriculture.
By helping develop a robust non-GMO white corn supply chain, the Council has laid the groundwork for continued growth in U.S. white corn exports aligned with rising demand in the Mexican market. The Council’s collaboration with GRUMA delivers substantial value for corn farmers by securing high-value contracts and creating new market opportunities.
The Council leveraged MAP funds to facilitate GRUMA’s procurement of 300,000 tons of non-GMO white corn, valued at $66 million. The $45,000 MAP investment in farm tours and advocacy yielded a ROI of $1,467 for every $1 of MAP invested.