Producers of staple or native corn in Chiapas face significant challenges, such as the ban on planting genetically modified seeds, pests, lack of support, high production costs, and unfair competition from genetically modified corn.
Even with the lack of support, approximately 300,000 producers, mostly small farmers, are fighting to preserve native or native corn, a basic seed for the country’s food security.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), approximately 100,000 hectares of land are dedicated to this crop in Chiapas. These hectares are essential for food security and the local economy, producing approximately 500,000 tons of corn annually. However, this figure does not even represent 10 percent of what is consumed, making it insufficient to serve the domestic market.
Native corn on the market sells for 5 pesos per kilo (5,000 pesos per ton), and to produce one hectare, almost 15,000 pesos are required, yielding a maximum of three or four tons.
GMO Corn Ban
On February 25, 2024, the Chamber of Deputies approved the constitutional reform that prohibits the cultivation of genetically modified corn in Mexico, under the premise of protecting and conserving native corn varieties.
The amendment to the law emphasizes that corn cultivation must be free of genetic modifications, produced with techniques that overcome natural barriers to reproduction or recombination, and therefore prioritize biodiversity, food sovereignty, and traditional knowledge.
The ban on the planting of genetically modified seeds goes against the latest ruling against Mexico by a panel of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In December 2024, the Mexican government failed to scientifically demonstrate that genetically modified corn causes harm to human health, and therefore lifted restrictions on GM corn imports.
An Ambiguous Reform: Producers
Under the pretext of protecting Mexico’s native corn varieties, the Mexican Congress approved a reform prohibiting the planting of genetically modified corn in the country. However, this measure has been met with concern by producers in Chiapas, who believe the reform is ambiguous and could worsen the crisis facing this crop.
Jorge Arroyo Ruiz, a corn producer in the Soconusco region, warns that the ban will increase corn imports, making work more expensive for farmers already affected by drought and the high cost of inputs.
He said the contradiction is evident, as while the Fourth Transformation government seeks to restrict the planting of genetically modified corn, it simultaneously allows the import of millions of tons of this grain from countries like the United States and Brazil.
Less than 2% of producers have permits for deep wells, which reduces crop yields.
He said that last year alone, Mexico imported more than 224 million tons of genetically modified corn, as the country lacks the capacity to supply domestic consumption.
He pointed out that this double standard not only jeopardizes local producers but also jeopardizes the competitiveness of Mexican corn, as the entry of genetically modified corn into the domestic market makes the prices of products harvested in Mexico less competitive.
“This situation could have a devastating effect, as fewer and fewer people will dedicate themselves to agriculture, which will exacerbate the country’s production deficit. The ban on genetically modified corn, far from being a solution, could become an insurmountable obstacle to the survival of local producers in Chiapas,” he added.
Difference between genetically modified and native seeds
Jorge Arroyo explained that while genetically modified seeds have a yield of 8 to 10 tons per hectare, native seeds only produce 3 to 4 tons, which is less than 50 percent of what genetically modified corn produces.
He indicated that genetically modified seeds also reduce production costs, as genetically modified corn is resistant to pests and does not require the use of agrochemicals, while native corn requires constant application.
“In the Soconusco region, producers have managed to produce up to 10 tons per hectare with a hybrid variety, while with a native variety we barely reach 3 or 4 tons, which demonstrates the risk posed by this ban,” he added.
Finally, he considered it imperative that authorities reconsider this reform and seek solutions that truly strengthen the Mexican countryside instead of jeopardizing the country’s food security.
Corn Cultivation Without Support
The regional president of the Corn Producers, Indalecio Flores Bahamaca, stated that during the Fourth Transformation governments, programs for this crop were eliminated, affecting small producers who plant for personal consumption.
He acknowledged that corn cultivation is at risk due to the lack of support from the federal government and the presence of the “blind gall” pest, problems that keep corn farmers in a difficult situation.
He emphasized that due to the lack of support, most small producers only plant for their own consumption, as they lack the resources to grow large quantities for sale.
He noted that until seven years ago, producers received support from technological packages for pest control and crop cultivation, but these programs were eliminated, so they have to invest the limited resources they obtain from their crops.
“Governments need to invest in improving agricultural conditions, because if this phenomenon is not addressed, the country will have to import more seed, as it will not be able to meet domestic demand,” he added.
Price Drop Worsens Crisis
Flores Bahamaca emphasized that the drop in the price of a kilogram of corn worsens the crop crisis, as it barely reaches 5 pesos, which is not profitable for corn farmers.
He explained that on average, they invest between 12,000 and 15,000 pesos per hectare, while the price of corn hovers around five pesos per kilo (5,000 pesos per ton), meaning the crop is not profitable because they only harvest three tons per hectare.
Eighty percent of agricultural farms in Chiapas fail to comply with safety and hygiene standards, according to Eduardo Córdoba Zamudio, head of the STPS (National Institute of Agricultural Technology and Public Works).
“The price of corn drops each season because we cannot compete with genetically modified seeds imported year after year. By not paying tariffs, these seeds lower market prices, leaving local producers without opportunities,” he explained.
Finally, he mentioned that prices do not cover production costs, which include the use of fertilizers and agrochemicals to ensure the corn cobs grow, as well as the wages of day laborers for cultural activities in the cornfields.
Source: oem
