The introduction of transgenic corn into Mexico has led to systematic violations of national legislation and international conventions for the protection of biodiversity, human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples. This is the basis of the claim that rural communities presented at a national preliminary hearing at the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal (PPT) regarding the transgenic contamination of native maize [corn].
This session takes place amid uncertainty regarding the decision that the federal government will take regarding [pending] requests by Monsanto and other companies to grow [GM corn] commercially on about 12 million hectares [29,652,645 acres] in Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Durango.
MV Note: Scientific opposition is well documented.Convened by the Network in Defense of Maize and State Lands in defense of native Oaxaca corn, the preliminary hearing began with presentation of the claim and testimony from local communities and neighboring states about how their crops have been affected by the [genetically] modified seeds [carried to their fields by the wind]. Plants with malformations, low productivity, disappearance of small farmers and promotion of "improved seeds" through government programs, are some of the negative effects [showing up in areas where experimental and pilot plantings have already taken place].
The claim, which was read by representatives of communities, mentioned that among the wrongs committed by the Mexican government is violation of national and international protection of biodiversity by allowing the entry of transgenic seeds in experimental field trials and open field pilot plantings,
"thus increasing the risk of putting in imminent danger the integrity of various ecosystems and agro-ecosystems, as well as the associated biodiversity of native corn."Besides, it adds, it violates the precautionary principle established by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the international protocol signed by Mexico, and the obligation to create a special regimen for native corn established by the Law on Biosafety and Genetically Modified Organisms [GMO]. Also, by authorizing the permits, the government
"created a national regulation that violates international principles that promote the use of GMOs."And this comes on top of that [cultivation of GM seeds]
"imposes a violent biological control, robbing the people of their seeds and forcing them to introduce noxious technological packages" that weaken the earth and make their agricultural activity [farming] more expensive.
MV Note: GM seeds require fertilizers and insecticides rather than relying on traditional, natural (sustainable) methods that have been used with native corns for more than 9,000 years.Members of the TPP's Adjudicator Committee are: Camila Montesinos de Grain from Chile; Joel Aquino, a peasant leader; Gustavo Esteva, who reflects on the autonomy and depth of thought of the [indigenous] peoples; and environmental activist Vandada Shiva of India, as a special guest. Presented to this Committee, the claim argues that Mexico is
"supported by the heirs of the original peoples of the culture of corn," and the country is the center of origin; that is, Mexico is the region from where the corn cultures spread out, and "they continue observing its historic validity."The claim notes that around the world the great corporations have proposed exchanging the [native] seeds, which are given freely and autonomously, for the certified [i.e., patented] and commercialized transgenic seeds,
"the [transnational corporations] promote laws to give certainty to their investments" and, despite the findings in Mexico of the presence of transgenes in native maize fields, the government discourages small farmer activity and delivers planting permits for cultivation of genetically modified organisms.The contrast between an agricultural area with imported techniques and regions where native corn is still grown was evident in the testimony of representatives from Guanajuato and the southern mountains of Oaxaca. In Guanajuato, representatives of the Coalition in Defense of the Independence Basin, located between Laguna Seca and Upper Laja, said that industrial agriculture already predominates in this region, the native maize has virtually disappeared, and the small farmer-producers are extinct; in addition, seed purchase is driven through Procampo [government agriculture program].
In contrast, Modesto Inclán, municipal agent for San Miguel Chongos, said that in the southern highlands of Oaxaca are several varieties of corn, including purple, tempranero [early corn], elotillo and large corn, and that this culture is the living legacy that the people will leave to their children. Spanish original