The Chamber of Deputies approved with 382 votes in favor from Morena, PRI, PVEM, PT, and MC, and 88 against only from PAN, the proposed reform initiative by President Claudia Sheinbaum to prohibit the cultivation of genetically modified maize in Mexico. There were no abstentions in the vote.
The reform modifies Article 4 of the Constitution to establish that maize cultivation must be free of modifications made with techniques that exceed the natural barriers of reproduction or recombination, as is the case with transgenics. It specifies that any other use of genetically modified maize must be evaluated to ensure its biological safety, health, and the biocultural heritage of Mexico and its population.
The constitutional text also highlights the protection of biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the agroecological management of maize, promoting scientific-humanistic research, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Article 27 adds that the State will encourage traditional crops with native seeds, such as the milpa system, for optimal land use without genetically modified maize crops.
Although the majority of parties celebrated the consensus, PAN expressed criticisms arguing that the initiative would harm the countryside, which already faces challenges. Fidel Chimal from PAN mentioned that the proposal could affect the productivity and agricultural competitiveness of the country.
On the other hand, Leticia Barrera from PRI explained that her party voted in favor of preserving native maize and prohibiting the cultivation of transgenic maize, referencing the importance of finding a balance to avoid dependence on foreign imports. Claudia Ruiz Massieu from MC emphasized the need to consider technical aspects in this reform.
In summary, the controversial constitutional reform has generated divided opinions in the Chamber of Deputies, highlighting the complexity of regulating maize cultivation in a country with a rich agricultural tradition like Mexico.
