The Effect On Transgenic Maize In Mexico

The potential effects of transgenic maize on traditional varieties of maize in Mexico have been a source of public debate for several years. The key concern is gene flow from genetically modified plants—or transgenic corn—to Mexican maize and its wild relatives. Such gene flow may threaten the diversity of land races—in the casí of traditional maize, crop varieties with a broad genetic basí resulting from thousands of years of development and adaptation to particular soil types and microclimates. This is of particular concern not only because of the socio-cultural and economic importance of traditional maize agriculture, but because Mexico is a centre of origin for this important food crop.

Since April 2002, the CEC Secretariat has received a number of letters and petitions from members of civil society in Mexico and worldwide, requesting that the Secretariat initiate a report on this issue.



The purpose of this report is to examine, from different perspectives, issues related to gene flow from transgenic varieties of maize to Mexican land races and their wild relatives, and the conservation of biodiversity in this centre of origin. At the conclusion of this examination the Secretariat will prepare a report including findings, background papers on key issues, and recommendations from our advisory group. The final report will be presented to the Council of the CEC. In general terms the report may consider the:
socio-economic and ecological aspects of traditional maize agriculture;
state of scientific knowledge on the potential risks and benefits of transgenic maize;
economics of transgenic maize, including the effect on traditional farming in rural Mexico;
links between genetic maize diversity, biodiversity, and the livelihood of Mexican rural communities; and,
national and international legal frameworks.
In addition to the report, specific recommendations from the advisory group will be presented to the Council of the CEC.



As with previous reports prepared in accordance with Article 13 of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, the process will include:
Selection of an advisory group representing specific expertise and stakeholders from each country;
Distribution of discussion papers, prepared by independent experts, on potential issues to be considered in the report;
Release of the terms of reference for public comment;
Development of various background papers and report chapters by experts hired by the Secretariat to fulfill the study's scope and objectives;
Release of these draft documents for public comment;
A public symposium at which the issues are given further scrutiny;
Submission of the Secretariat's report, including recommendations from the advisory group, to Council; and,
Public release of the final report, unless the Council decides otherwise