A month ago, President Claudia Sheinbaum's initiative to ban the cultivation of genetically modified corn in Mexico had been received. Now, federal lawmakers have approved in the Commission of Constitutional Points the reforms to articles 4 and 27 of the Constitution in response to this proposal, with the addendum sent from the National Palace that included modifications.
The ruling was approved with 29 votes in favor, 6 against, and 2 abstentions, with the PAN being the only party that voted against and MC abstaining. Article 4 of the Constitution establishes that the cultivation of corn must be free from genetic modifications that exceed the natural barriers of reproduction or recombination, such as transgenic corn. Additionally, the protection of biodiversity, food sovereignty, and agroecological management is prioritized.
Article 27 refers to the promotion of traditional crops with native seeds, such as the milpa system, excluding genetically modified corn crops. It emphasizes the research, innovation, and conservation of agrobiodiversity, as well as strengthening national public institutions.
During the discussion and voting of the ruling, the PAN expressed its vote against it, arguing that the reform could have severe economic and inflationary consequences. On the other hand, the PRI voted in favor, stating that it is important to take care of the part of the secondary law that will follow. MC expressed its support for the ruling and will present modification reservations later. The parliamentary groups of Morena, PT, and PVEM showed their support for Sheinbaum's proposal. The ruling will continue to be debated and voted on in the plenary session of the 500 deputies soon.
