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 Editorials | Environmental | October 2006 
Rejection of Biotech Corn Praised, Chided
 El Universal
| | Mexico imposed a moratorium on the planting of genetically modified crops in 1998, but in 2005, President Fox signed a bill that did not grant immediate approval, but set out a framework for approval in the future. |
Mexico has refused requests from several multinational companies seeking to start experimental planting of genetically modified corn, a move praised by environmentalists but criticized by biotech supporters.
Environmentalists said the government´s decision is a step toward preventing biotech corn contaminating native varieties in Mexico, the birthplace of corn and still a storehouse of genetically valuable native species.
"In principle, we see this as positive, because it sets a negative precedent for the authorization of planting genetically modified corn," said Gustavo Ampugnani of Greenpeace Mexico. "It´s positive, but it´s not definitive."
But the decision, announced Monday by the Agriculture Secretariat, angered some biotech supporters who said it would limit access to plants that could reduce pesticide and herbicide use and have other advantages for local farmers. Columnist Sergio Sarmiento, writing in the newspaper Reforma on Wednesday, called it "cowardly."
Genetically modified corn "is already in use in many parts of the world and it has enormous benefits, both in terms of the environment and production, given that it reduces pesticide use," Sarmiento wrote.
Even environmentalists don´t think Monday´s decision is the last word. "This is temporary, because there is so much pressure from the multinationals," Ampugnani said. "They are going to put a lot of pressure on the incoming administration" of President-elect Felipe Calderón.
"Mexico is a potential market for them in genetically modified seeds, and that market is closed at present," he said. "These companies aren´t going to accept another six years of indefinition."
Monday´s decision turned down all seven requests filed by companies including Monsanto, DuPont Co.´s Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. subsidiary.
"We were surprised by this decision," said Eduardo Pérez, director of technological development at Monsanto´s Mexico subsidiary, which applied to start experimental fields in Sinaloa, Sonora, and Tamaulipas.
"These are not centers of origin or biodiversity of corn," Pérez said, referring to areas where corn ancestor plants or primitive types grow naturally.
Under current law, such areas are off-limits to biotech planting, in part to protect the genetic traits of those ancestor varieties in case their traits are needed for hybridization efforts in the future. In areas of Mexico where corn is determined to be a non-native or non-original crop, "there is the possibility of a permit being granted for the first phases of experimental projects," said Pedro Mata, of Mexico´s food safety agency.
Mata said Monday´s ruling hinged on an ongoing debate over whether any area of Mexico can be designated as a non-origin region for corn.
"The researchers and experts are still discussing it, and there are controversies," Mata said. There is no deadline for drawing up the map of "safe" areas.
Mexico imposed a moratorium on the planting of genetically modified crops in 1998, but in 2005, President Fox signed a bill that did not grant immediate approval, but set out a framework for approval in the future. |
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