Mexico may allow more GMO corn planting

Mexico may be easing its hard stance against crops grown in the country with genetically modified technology. In the past, Mexico has limited test plots of GM crops to tiny experimental plots of around 25 acres, but that could be changing. Permits to plant large extensions of GM corn are likely to be approved before the end of the year, a company lobby group told Reuters.

Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer have all applied to expand their tiny experimental plots of GM corn in northern Mexico, AgroBIO, an organization that represents biotech companies, said.

The government is expected to approve more and larger plots in the state of Sinaloa by the end of October and in Tamaulipas by November. More states are expected to approve plots as well, according to a Reuters report.

By the end of 2012, commercially grown GM corn is expected to begin, says AgroBIO’s director Alejandro Monteagudo.

Mexico has been wary of allowing GM corn in its country for fear it would contaminate the original corn grown in the country, which is highly revered.

Once farmers see that the GM crops are not harming the environment, it is expected that they will embrace the technology.

AgroBIO has spearheaded the petitions for pilot projects. In the past, Mexico has rejected the petitions stating that not enough data came from the experimental plots to warrant increasing the amount and size of the plots. AgroBIO has resubmitted and awaits a response.

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