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In Mexico, where maize is treasured,
new trials to plant genetically modified maize have stoked anger among many, as
scientists around the world race against the clock to increase food production
worldwide, reports the Associated Foreign Press. Many Mexicans are sensitive
about meddling with maize, which dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when
mythologies held that people were created from corn. Some fear Mexico could one
day lose the wealth of native varieties it still produces, to a few breeds of
GM maize. Recently, for the first time, the government has granted permits to
agribusinesses Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences and
Pioneer to carry out tests on GM maize on farms in north and west Mexico. Mexico
is the number one producer of white maize, which is used to make its famous
flat tortillas, but it imports increasing amounts of yellow maize from the
United States, mainly for cattle feed. The tests are part of efforts to help
the country return to maize self-sufficiency and keep food prices down. The
price of maize has more than doubled since 2007, which prompted tens of
thousands to protest the price of tortillas in Mexico last year. The United
States, China and India are among countries that already grow GM crops, while
six European countries have banned them. GM crops, also including soya and cotton, are highly
controversial, with critics underlining potential risks to health and the
environment. Greenpeace has led efforts to protect Mexico''s maize after GM
traces have turned up in samples of native varieties in the past decade,
despite a moratorium on planting GM maize. The new test permits cover more than
25 acres. The government has pledged to prevent them from contaminating native
varieties. But Greenpeace claims they risk polluting 31 of more than 50 native
seeds and is filing court motions to withdraw the permits. Mexico''s treasured maize diversity is protected in a giant seed bank in central Mexico, which keeps tiny
grains of different colors and sizes at freezing temperatures, holding 27,000
maize samples from across the Americas. Scientists also crossbreed grains and
advise on more efficient farming techniques to help them survive challenges,
such as this summer''s severe drought.
