Mexico's lower house has enacted a constitutional reform prohibiting the planting of genetically modified (GM) corn. This follows a previous ruling against Mexico's GM corn restrictions, which were found to lack scientific substantiation. The reform aims to protect native corn and traditional agriculture, ensuring biosafety and preserving Mexico's biocultural heritage.
The ban, effective immediately, is part of a process initiated by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Although a trade dispute ruling in December 2024 complicated the general ban on GM corn, stating Mexico's restrictions violated the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the current administration under President Sheinbaum has reaffirmed its stance. The USMCA panel's decision led to the lifting of import restrictions on GM corn for human, livestock, and industrial use, affecting about $5 billion in annual U.S. GM corn exports.
Despite potential economic impacts, President Sheinbaum's administration has ensured that GM corn cannot be legally planted in Mexico, reinforcing the commitment to traditional agriculture and food security. The law aims to "guarantee biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the health of Mexicans," as stated by the President.
The reform consolidates previous measures by embedding the ban in Mexico's Constitution. It focuses on preserving native corn varieties, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring food sovereignty. The reform prohibits GM corn cultivation and mandates strict oversight to mitigate risks to biosafety, public health, and Mexico's biocultural heritage. This aligns with the Mexican government's emphasis on rural development and traditional agriculture support.
Source: MLVVN