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On December 13, 2022, Colombia's Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MINHEALTH) issued Resolution 2492 of 2022, an amendment of Resolution 810 of 2021 that establishes new front-of-pack label requirements, nutrition profiles, and additional definitions for sweeteners, ultra-processed food, minimally processed food, food products without processing, and processed food products.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (number 1) to SLS 1725-1:2021 for Processed Grain-based Food Products, Part 1: Multi/Mixed Grain to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1725-2:2021 for Processed Grain-based Food Products, Part 2: Cornflakes to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified its draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 894:2003 for bottled (packaged) drinking water to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51. The comment period closes on December 20, 2022.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1725-3:2021 for Processed Grain-Based Food Products, Part 3: Rolled Oats to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1036:2020 for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1725-4:2021 for Processed Grain-Based Food Products, Part 4: Rice Flakes to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

While Colombia's regulatory environment remains friendly toward the adoption of biotech-derived commodities and other innovative technologies, Congressional anti-biotechnology initiatives continue posing a threat, risking the benefits to consumers and the agricultural sector. In 2021, genetically engineered corn area planted grew 31 percent, reaching record figures, and genetically engineered cotton area planted recovered 55 percent compared to 2020.

Excessive rains and cloudiness in the last two years have suppressed Colombia's coffee production. In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, Post forecasts Colombian production at 12.6 million bags of green bean equivalent (GBE) coffee. Although local prices remain high, weather conditions are expected to continue affecting crop productivity.

Sri Lanka does not produce genetically engineered (GE) crops or animals. There is some GE research at the laboratory level, but there is no commercialization. The lack of a legal framework and biosafety procedures are a major setback; the country is in the process of finalizing regulatory biotechnology policies.

On September 12, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (number 1) to SLS 917:2018 for milk added drinks to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51. The comment period expires on November 12, 2022.

Colombia’s economy is projected to grow at a slower pace in 2023, restricting a more substantial growth in demand for grains in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Although the United States continues to be the main sourcing option for Colombian importers of corn given trade preferences under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and geographical advantages, increasing competition from Brazilian and Argentinian corn is expected.