Mexico has enacted a landmark Constitutional amendment prohibiting the planting of genetically modified (GMO) corn seeds, a move officials say safeguards native corn varieties and reinforces national food sovereignty. The policy primarily affects imports from the United States, which supplies most of Mexico's GMO seeds, and is expected to reshape agricultural practices and trade dynamics.
Agricultural experts note the ban aligns with Mexico's cultural reverence for corn, where the crop originated over 9,000 years ago. "This isn't just about agriculture—it's about preserving our heritage," said a representative from Mexico's Ministry of Agriculture. The measure follows years of debate over GMO crops' environmental impact and potential threats to indigenous strains.
While the phased ban on GMO cultivation begins immediately, imports for processed foods and livestock feed will continue until 2025. Analysts suggest the decision may strain U.S.-Mexico trade relations, as the U.S. exported $5 billion worth of corn to Mexico in 2023. Business groups have raised concerns about supply chain disruptions, while environmental advocates praise the move as a "critical step for biodiversity."
