Help Mexican Citizens Fight Genetically Modified Corn Grrrowd
go to original December 25, 2014

The country where corn was born thousands of years ago is now at risk of losing its unique biodiversity. Big companies like Monsanto are fiercely lobbying their way into Mexico to grow genetically modified corn at a commercial level. So far, a broad coalition of Mexican citizens, farmers and scientists has successfully prevented this from happening. However, their financial resources are limited. Your contribution will give them a fair chance.



Powerful multinational GM producers are lobbying in many countries to get market access. Their global ambitions have ignited one of the largest grassroots opposition movements of citizens, farmers and scientists worldwide. These companies face strong resistance from large parts of the population, especially in Mexico. Their spokesman Dr. Raul Hernandez Garciadiego says: “Corn has always been part of the daily lives of all Mexicans. Corn is not only the staple food of Mexico, but also has immense cultural value. Over a period of 8,000 years, Mexicans have cultivated over a thousand types of corn that originated in our country. If GM corn is authorized, this diversity of native Mexican corn is at risk through contamination. Farmers risk being gradually forced to grow GM corn or have their native corn contaminated. Mexicans risk losing their cultural patrimony and way of life.” Mexican food is considered a world heritage and almost every meal is based on native races of corn.

A broad coalition of Mexican citizens, farmers and scientists has filed a collective lawsuit in order to prevent such harms. The lawsuit has been successful so far. A provisional judicial decision currently prevents Mexican authorities from granting GM corn permits until a final decision on the merits of the case. This decision affects the interests of large agribusiness firms that have plans to grow large expanses of GM corn crops in Mexico. Through 86 appeals and other legal recourses, these companies have used a disproportionate amount of financial resources to fight the court order. Now, the Mexican citizens and farmers need your help to continue and win this legal fight.

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