The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has submitted an initiative to the Chamber of Deputies to prohibit the cultivation of genetically modified corn. The proposal, titled 'matter of conservation and protection of native corns,' aims to declare corn as an element of national identity whose seeds and cultivation must be free of genetically modified organisms.
The initiative seeks to make two reforms to the Mexican Constitution, specifically to articles 4 and 27, which will require a qualified majority and support from more than half of the state legislatures. If approved, the Constitution would incorporate the right of every person to nutritious, sufficient, and quality food.
Regarding agricultural production, regulatory legislation would be issued to plan and organize it, considering it a public interest. This measure aims to prioritize the agroecological management of corn as a central element of national identity.
On the other hand, on December 20, it was reported that Mexico lost a panel related to genetically modified corn requested by the U.S. government under the USMCA. Although the Mexican government stated that it does not agree with the panel's determination, it emphasized that the indicated measures are aligned with the protection of public health and the rights of indigenous peoples, principles present in both national legislation and international treaties.
Moreover, it is highlighted that conditions will be promoted for comprehensive rural development in Mexico, seeking to generate employment and guarantee the well-being of the farming population, their participation in national development, and fostering agricultural and forestry activities without the presence of genetically modified corn crops and seeds, ensuring support through infrastructure, supplies, credits, training, and technical assistance from the State.
