Genetically modified corn: reform to ban seeds advances in the Chamber of Deputies

Today, Monday, February 24, the Constitutional Affairs Committee approved the reform to ban genetically modified corn seeds in Mexico ; it is advancing in the Chamber of Deputies .

The initiative against genetically modified corn was originally presented on January 25, 2025, however, an agreement was reached to modify its original text and prohibit the planting of genetically modified seeds .

This is the result of dialogue between the group “Without corn there is no country” and secretaries of state, although the reform also establishes that the use of transgenic corn must be evaluated so that it does not threaten biosecurity.

In a regular meeting today, Monday, February 24, the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved the reform to prohibit genetically modified corn seeds .

The reform that protects native corn from transgenic corn obtained a total of 29 votes in favor , 6 against and 2 abstentions, so the discussion will be moved to the Plenary Session of the Chamber of Deputies without a scheduled date.

The votes in favor of the reform on transgenic corn came from Morena and its allies, who pointed out that the initiative seeks to protect native corn and the 64 races that exist in Mexico, the leading producer of white corn.

However, the reform on genetically modified corn also gives priority to the national product, which is basic in Mexico, as well as part of its national identity, since customs and art revolve around it.

While the opposition members argued their vote against the reform of transgenic corn , as pointed out by PAN member Noemí Luna Ayala, who said that there are doctrinal arguments.

The PRI, on behalf of Representative Leticia Barrera Maldonado, declared that the reform on transgenic corn has ambiguous wording , which generates more doubts that she hopes will be resolved with secondary laws.

In turn, the deputy of Movimiento Ciudadano, Claudia Ruiz Massieu, raised several questions, in addition to pointing out that transgenic corn should be directly prohibited without using ambiguous language in the reform .

As noted by the House of Representatives commission, the reform on transgenic corn seeks to modify articles 4 and 27 of the Mexican Political Constitution regarding the conservation and protection of native corn.

After being approved by the Constitutional Affairs Committee , the transgenic corn ruling is sent to the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Deputies for legislative programming and for reservations to be submitted for consideration by the Plenary.

If the reform on transgenic corn is approved by an absolute majority in the Chamber of Deputies , it will be sent to the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Senate.

In the Senate, the reform on genetically modified corn must also be approved by an absolute majority before the decision is sent to local congresses.