President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her intention to amend the Constitution to prohibit the planting and importation of genetically modified corn for human consumption in Mexico, in order to protect the various varieties of this product in the country. During her morning press conference at the National Palace, the president stated that a meeting will be held with the related authorities to ensure that everyone agrees with the constitutional reform.
Regarding the decree published by the Ministry of Economy, which nullifies the prohibition on the importation of genetically modified corn, Sheinbaum expressed the importance of the reform being constitutional and ensuring that genetically modified corn cannot be planted in Mexico.
For its part, the agreement from the Ministry of Economy published in the Official Gazette of the Federation eliminates various provisions regarding genetically modified corn in compliance with the USMCA. The agreement removes the restrictions established in February 2023 during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The proposed reform seeks to declare corn as an element of national identity, promoting its cultivation without genetically modified organisms. It is expected that the Congress of the Union will approve the reform, given the support from Morena and allies in both chambers, as well as in the majority of state governorships and legislatures.
The modification of Articles 4 and 27 of the Constitution aims to guarantee the right to nutritious and quality food, prioritizing the agroecological cultivation of corn, as well as promoting comprehensive rural development and agriculture free of genetically modified organisms. Approval from at least 17 local congresses will be required for the constitutional reform.
