In the News, Spring 2025: Mexico Bans GM Corn Planting

The government of Mexico has enacted by constitutional amendment a nationwide ban on cultivation of genetically modified (GM) corn. The amendment prohibits cultivation of corn “produced with techniques that overcome the natural barriers of reproduction or recombination, such as transgenics.” Any other use of GM corn will be scrutinized to ensure it does not pose a threat to the country’s biocultural heritage or public safety.

Another amendment, enacted at the same time, states that the government will make it a priority to ensure the well-being of people in rural areas by creating job opportunities and will support agricultural initiatives that benefit the growing of traditional crops.

After signing the decree enshrining these amendments into law, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that its objectives are to “guarantee biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the health of Mexicans.”

Charles Benbrook, an agricultural technology expert, observed, “If and as GMO [genetically modified organism] corn is planted in Mexico, novel DNA from GMO corn will move via pollen into native corn varieties, and in short order (i.e., one or two decades), contaminate essentially all non-GMO corn in Mexico. As a result, Mexico would no longer be able to feed its people uncontaminated corn.”

SOURCES:

Duran P. Mexico issues decree banning GM corn. Mexico Business News, March 18, 2025. mexicobusiness.news/agribusiness/news/mexico-issues-decree-banning-gm-corn.

Mexico amends constitution to prohibit GM corn seeds. Foodtank, April 2025. foodtank.com/news/2025/04/mexico-amends-constitution-to-prohibit-gm-corn-seeds.