Without Corn, There Is No Country: Sheinbaum

Mexico’s position on genetically modified corn has been a subject of significant debate, especially in the context of USMCA. Recently, the Mexican government, led by Minister of Agriculture Julio Berdegue, reaffirmed its stance on genetically modified (GMO) corn, which he deems unnecessary for the country, since Mexico is already self-sufficient in producing white corn.

The Mexican government has proposed a constitutional reform to prohibit the planting of genetically modified corn. This legal initiative is aimed at safeguarding traditional crops and prioritizing the cultivation of native, non-GMO varieties, particularly white corn. The reform reflects a commitment to maintaining the cultural and biological significance of these crops, while also addressing environmental concerns linked to the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture. 

The decision comes despite a ruling from a trade panel, which found that Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn were not based on scientific evidence and were impacting access to the US market.

While the USMCA panel’s decision highlighted the economic implications of Mexico’s agricultural policies, the government has remained firm in its commitment to food sovereignty. In addition to the constitutional reform, the government is taking steps to modernize irrigation districts as a means of improving agricultural productivity across the country. This effort is expected to particularly benefit states like Sinaloa, a major corn-producing region, by introducing more efficient water management technologies. These innovations are intended to increase yields, making Mexico’s agriculture more sustainable and resilient to climate change.

As part of these agricultural reforms, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a plan to modernize 50,000ha of irrigation infrastructure. The project is designed to optimize water usage, enhancing crop production while ensuring water availability for human consumption. This initiative wants to address growing concerns over water scarcity in Mexico, particularly in agricultural regions.

The Mexican government has also pledged to continue supporting local farmers as reported previously by MBN. This includes maintaining subsidies and providing technical assistance to improve productivity. These efforts are framed within a broader commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and securing food sovereignty.

“The seed of the native corn is productive, meaning that a portion of the corn is saved and replanted for the next harvest. This is very important because it means the farmer does not depend on buying seed from a transnational company," she explained.

While trade disagreements, like those arising under the USMCA, present challenges, Mexico is seeking to balance economic interests with its responsibility to protect its environment, culture, and food systems. “Mexico is intrinsically connected to our origins and indigenous peoples through corn. Corn is Mexico; that is why we say ‘without corn, there is no country.’ Therefore, protecting Mexico from the planting of genetically modified corn is essential. There are already decrees in place, but now we aim to enshrine this protection in the Constitution," Sheinbaum concluded.