Mexico Approves Pilot Program for GM Corn

Mexico has reportedly approved its first pilot program to grow genetically modified (GM) corn. Noting that “it is necessary to advance the use of biotechnology to reduce imports and promote national production,” the Ministry of Agriculture approved the planting of GM yellow corn on approximately 2.5 acres in the northern state of Tamaulipas.

Since 2009 when it began allowing GM corn on small experimental fields,
the Mexican government has evidently received 121 requests for permits
and allowed approximately 170 acres. According to the ministry, a pilot
program is granted after an experimental field has been deemed safe by
government inspectors. Although large commercial farms in northern Mexico
have welcomed the GM corn to compete with U.S. imports, smaller farms
in southern Mexico have expressed concern that the biotech crops could
contaminate native red, blue and yellow corn varieties. See Reuters, March 8,
2011.