October 23, 2013

A Mexican court has ordered the government to suspend the issuing of permits to transnational companies which could allow them to plant genetically modified (GMO) corn on an experimental and commercial scale.

Opponents of genetically modified organisms (GMO) applauded the decision, while supporters insisted that the verdict could still be challenged.

Companies like Monsanto, Pioneer, Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences are working towards obtaining permission to plant pilot plots.

Meanwhile, there are concerns that native corns in Mexico could be contaminated if GMO corn is planted. With close to 70 local types available, corn is the main food staple in the country, particularly in the central and southern regions.

A coalition of over 50 parties have filed suit to block field trials of GMO corn in July 2013. The plaintiffs claim that they have scientific evidence from studies which document the contamination of Mexico's native corn varieties by GMO crops.

On October 10, the ban was granted by a judge for the Federal District Court for Civil Matters. The judge cited the risk of imminent harm to the environment as the basis for the decision. He also ruled that multinationals like Monsanto and Pioneer are currently banned from planting any transgenic corn in Mexico.

While the ban in Mexico covers the local testing and use of GMO corn, it does not affect imports of the crop.