State of Mexico Assigns MX$3.5 Million to Native Corn Producers

The State of Mexico has awarded more than MX$3.5 million (US$174,458) in financial aid and agricultural equipment to the winners of the First Native Corn and Amaranth Contest. The initiative, led by Governor Delfina Gómez, aims to strengthen native corn production and recognize the work of local farmers.

The competition received 171 applications, with 60 finalists selected by an evaluation panel comprising academic and research institution representatives. The jury applied a questionnaire based on criteria from the United Nations to assess corn samples. Finalists received tractors, fertilizer applicators, seeders, and irrigation pumps to improve their agricultural output. The contest was backed by the Law for the Promotion and Protection of Native Corn as the Biocultural and Food Heritage of the State of Mexico. 

María Eugenia Rojano, State of Mexico’s Minister of Agriculture (SeCampo), highlighted the importance of preserving native corn for its nutritional and cultural value. To support this effort, SeCampo is establishing agreements with institutions such as UNAM, University of Chapingo, and UAEMéx. Other research organizations involved include the International Corn and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the Postgraduate College (COLPOS), the Interministerial Commission on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms (CIBIOGEM), and the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural, and Livestock Research (INIFAP).

As part of this commitment to agricultural research, SeCampo has provided UNAM with a collection of 833 native corn seed accessions. These were donated by 689 farmers from 92 municipalities across the state, with the goal of improving open-pollinated species and developing genetically enhanced materials for sustainable agriculture.

Everardo Lovera, Director General, Agricultural, Aquaculture, and Forestry Research and Training Institute (ICAMEX), invited the contest winners to seek guidance and technical support from the institute. ICAMEX plays a key role in preserving the genetic diversity of native corn, overseeing its regeneration and distribution across different ecosystems in the State of Mexico, and updating the inventory of 18 native maize species cultivated in the region.

"Transforming the agricultural sector means rescuing, protecting, and promoting our identity and resilience as a people. It means defending our food sovereignty and improving the living and working conditions of the farmers who are the heart of our land," concluded Gómez.