The Mexican government published this Monday afternoon in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) the decree prohibiting the use of genetically modified corn in the country.
The document, which formalizes the reforms to Articles 4 and 27 of the Constitution regarding the conservation and protection of native corn, will take effect this Tuesday.
The publication of this decree comes hours after President Claudia Sheinbaum signed the document and reiterated in her morning press conference that the enactment of this reform seeks to guarantee biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the health of Mexicans.
The addition to Article 4 specifies that corn cultivation “in the national territory must be free of genetic modifications produced with techniques that overcome natural barriers to reproduction or recombination, such as transgenics. Any other use of genetically modified corn must be evaluated under the terms of legal provisions to ensure it is free of threats to the biosecurity, health, and biocultural heritage of Mexico and its population.
“The protection of biodiversity, food sovereignty, and agroecological management must be prioritized, promoting scientific and humanistic research, innovation, and traditional knowledge,” it stated.
Meanwhile, Article 27 specifies that the State “shall promote the conditions for rural, cultural, economic, and health development, with the purpose of generating employment and guaranteeing the well-being of the rural population and their participation and incorporation into national development. It shall promote agricultural and forestry activities, traditional crops with native seeds, especially the milpa system, for the optimal use of land free of genetically modified corn crops.”
Source: eleconomista
