Mexico To Decide On Experimental GM Corn
6 October 2009 Reuters reports that Mexico will decide in October whether it will allow experimental plantings of genetically modified corn (GM), an agriculture ministry official said on Monday. In 2008, Mexico passed legislation that regulated the procedure for approving GM crops, but environmentalists and some farmers are opposed to the introduction of GM plants. Corn plays a vital role in the Mexican diet and culture. Small producers in southern Mexico are concerned that the GM crops could wipe out distinct local varieties.
Three US companies — DuPont Co., Dow Chemical and Monsanto — have filed applications with the Mexican government for permission to begin testing their GM corn strains. If experimental plantings are approved this month, it still could be years before commercial sales are permitted.
“At this point we are working to draw up the permit necessary to authorize an experimental planting in the (winter) season,” said Enrique Sanchez, the agriculture ministry’s director of plant and animal health.
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