Greenpeace Activist Rappels Into Mexican Senate Session to Protest Transgenic Corn NTDTV
go to original April 26, 2013

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Greenpeace activists interrupted a session of Mexico's Senate on Thursday to protest the planting and sale of transgenic corn.

One activist used a rope to rappel down the wall of the senate before unfurling a banner which read "transgenic corn: a betrayal to the people."

The incident occurred as Mexico's senate was ratifying ambassadorial appointments.

[Lara Aleira, Greenpeace Activist]:
"We are sending a strong message to the republic's senators to remind them of an important message. The country comes first, and the planting of transgenic corn on Mexican territory represents a betrayal. We urge them to re-instate the moratorium on the planting of transgenic corn in Mexican territory. Corn is part of Mexico's heritage, and with it our food sovereignty can be preserved."

In a written statement, Greenpeace Mexico said that the country's senators had "eluded their responsibility" of forbidding the planting of transgenic corn crops, and called on Mexico's government to monitor, control and study the planting and sale of transgenic crops.

As corn features heavily in many of Mexico's world-famous dishes, the country has long been hesitant to adopt transgenic maize seeds.

Many consumers are concerned about the health and environmental consequences of a transgenic grain.

With Mexico one of the world's biggest corn producers - more than 20 million tonnes on average per year - supporters of transgenic corn say Mexico has fallen behind other agricultural powerhouses such as its neighbour the United States where genetically modified seeds are widespread.

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