Mexico's main agricultural lobby on Saturday criticized the government's decision to ban genetically modified corn, while organic growers hailed the move that should protect smaller farmers.

Mexico will "revoke and refrain from granting permits for the release of genetically modified corn seeds into the environment," stated a decree issued Thursday evening, which also mandated the phase out of GMO corn imports by 2024.

Proponents of GMO corn say the ban on domestic cultivation would limit the options of Mexican farmers, while phasing out its importation could imperil the food chain.

"The lack of access to production options puts us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors, such as corn farmers in the United States," said Laura Tamayo, spokesperson for Mexico's National Farm Council. "The import of genetically modified grain from the US is essential for many products in the agrifood chain."

Opponents of genetically modified crops celebrated the ban. "It's a huge victory," said Homero Blas, head of Mexico's Organic Producers' Society.

Opponents of GMO crops say they contaminate age-old native varieties of corn and encourage the use of dangerous pesticides that endanger public health and harm biodiversity.

Mexico is largely self-­sufficient in white corn used to make the country's staple tortillas, but depends on imports of mostly GMO yellow corn from the US for livestock feed.