Love Organic Food? Eat Mexican Grown Veggies
Tara A. Spears
Several years ago I wrote about the Mexican stand against allowing GM (genetically modified) corn to enter the country. Since corn is Mexico’s most important crop, in terms of the volume of production, the numbers of producers and the area under cultivation-besides having a huge importance within cultural identity- this is a very serious issue here.
Since 2013, Mexico has officially banned GMO corn. A wise Mexican judge placed an indefinite ban on genetically engineered corn, citing “risk of imminent harm to the environment.” This means that pro-GMO companies like Monsanto and DuPont/Pioneer are no longer allowed to plant or sell their corn within the country’s borders. And Mexico has over 20,000 varieties of corn that are grown and eaten throughout the country –officially 28 million metric tons yearly.
In November, 2019, Mexico’s agriculture authority, SENASICA, revoked the Biotech giant’s permit to commercialize genetically modified soy in seven Mexican states. To make matters worse for Monsanto, a Mexican court upheld theban on the planting of GMO corn in Mexico. The ruling to keep the GMO corn ban in place is the latest chapter of a more than six-year old battle to protect Mexico’s hundreds of native corn varieties.
The case pits powerful foreign agro-industrial corporations like Monsanto, Bayer, Pioneer, DuPont, Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences against the Mexican governmental entities such as the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) and the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). One group, the Colectividad del Maíz, a broad assemblage of farmers, indigenous and human right groups, scientists, activists, lawyers, artists and civil society organizations remains strong in opposing the GM interference. May the Mexican voice remain strong to protect the national crop heritage!
Bloomberg reports that as of January, 2020, that 92% of U.S. corn acreage is seeded with GMO plants. Think about that: 92% altered corn in my grandkids diet! Maybe the breakfast cereal should be labeled “GM Flakes-Eat at your Risk.” There is a valid reason so many people choose organic food products. If you are a fan of organic produce, then come to Mexico. The majority of fruits and veggies available in Jaltemba Bay are natural, organic, family grown. It’s scientifically proven that Mexico is the birth place of corn. Thank goodness the Mexican people respect that and resist tampering with the original.
Because of the lack of interest of federal government, last year Michoacán state passed a law to protect the large diversity of Mexican maize against the contamination of GM crop. This state produces 18 of the 59 races of this corn that exist in Mexico and Michoacán is the fourth largest maize producer on a national scale and represents 30 percent of Mexico’s total maize crop area. It is very good news that the agri-states are taking the initiative to protect their national treasure.
This political move is directly related to the lack of political will of the federal government to promote local production and the fierce interest of multinational companies such as Monsanto, Syngenta, Pioneer and Dow Agroscience to impose GM maize within Mexican territory. I hope that this process will continue and that more and more states will protect their maizes species, especially the northern states that are currently developing GM maize experimental trials. It’s a tricky balance between respecting heritage corn varieties versus economic factors.
Corn was a staple food for the indigenous peoples of the Americas, from South America to the Great Lakes. It is believed to have been originally domesticated in Mexico, and may be one of the oldest agricultural crops in the world. Different tribal groups created different strains, which were closely tied to their heritage and identity.
Corn became a staple because it could be stored for later use besides being the main ingredient for tortillas, breads, stews, tamales, puddings and even beverages. Corn on the cob, an American classic, is known as Elote in Mexico, where it’s boiled or roasted and served on a stick or with the husk as a handle. It’s a beloved street food favorite, and it’s easy to see why since this humble crop makes the perfect vehicle for all sorts of savory add-ons.
Corn is so deeply woven into Mexican culture that corn has inspired deities, ceremonies, daily life. For those visiting Jaltemba Bay it is an interesting side trip to visit the town of Jala, Nayarit for the annual corn festival the first two weeks of August. You can enjoy fresh roasted corn on a stick in La Penita.
Mexican corn varieties are characterized by diversity, and corn is central to both the country’s history and culture. But having been challenged by an industry largely motivated by profit and rapid technological advancements, traditional varieties struggle to find their place in an increasingly globalized market. By employing a soft ban on GM crops over the past decade, Mexico has chosen to neither fully protect their genetic diversity of corn nor to join the growing number of countries fully embracing GM technology. Let’s hope the little farmers will win this battle.
