Mexico to approve GMO corn in 2016‏

Date:10-12-2015

Farmers and researchers who are part of the Mexican group Alianza Pro Transgénicos (Pro GMO Alliance) are hopeful that the country will approve the planting of genetically-modified corn and other crops in 2016.

So far, nearly 29 farm associations have announced to join the group with 19 researchers and other parts involved at the chain, but also a lot more farmers are expected to enter the alliance along with people from other sectors of the society.

Mario Valdés Berlanga, vice-president of the Alianza Pro Transgénicos, commented that this is a first step to conform this group. He highlights that the group not only seeks to approach the government to allow the use of biotechnology in the Mexican fields, but also to be joined by small farm unions and other representative groups in the countries.

Berlanga recognized that due to the urgency of launching this organization to make a common front to push for the sales of genetically-modified corn in the country, there was not an immediate entrance of peasants to the group, but they will be integrated to the campaign because there is great interest to teach the advantages of the use of this technology on crops.

Some months ago there was a judicial resolution that in fact suspends the effect of a law that prohibits the planting of genetically-modified corn in Mexico, which opens new horizons for agriculture in the country. Now farmers will have to wait for the resolution of a judge, as opposition groups submitted an appeal to the decision given by the judge.