March 21, 2008

Mexico approves experimental planting of GM corn
 

Mexico said Wednesday (March 19, 2008) it will begin allowing experimental planting of genetically modified crops, despite resistance from the farm sector.

The regulations published in the official gazette are the last step needed to implement a law passed by Mexico's Congress in December 2004 that authorizes controlled GMO plantings.

Farmers in Mexico's rural south, where corn has been grown for thousands of years, worry GM corn will cross-pollinate with native species.

The new rules require farmers who want to plant GM crops  to register with the agriculture ministry and environmental authorities to request a permit.

GM corn seeds will still be kept out of certain parts of the country that have genetically unique corn strains found only in Mexico.

Seed giant Monsanto welcomed the move, although the company noted the caveat that "the passage of these rules does not mean that permission will automatically be granted" to plant GMO crops.

Mexico now imports about 9 million tonnes of US yellow corn a year. About 70 percent of all corn grown in the US is genetically modified. 

Those arguing for the case of GM corn stress that the adoption will help Mexico cut down on expensive US imports by producing corn domestically.