Mexican Officials Ignore Commission's GMO Forum The Yucatan Times
go to original February 9, 2013

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) - Myths and Truths (mercola)

Jeffrey Smith, an expert on health impacts of genetically modified foods derived from transgenic organisms, has found that humans could become more susceptible to viral infections from consumption of GMO’s, including influenza and hepatitis, among many other health risks. The study showed that the transgenic MON810 and NK603 maize from Monsanto, have these viral components, and caused cancer in rats.

On January 23, the European Commission announced its decision to freeze processes that would approve GM crops in the European Union until the end of 2014.

Scientists in Europe confirmed the negative impacts of GMO’s on human health; they found that GM corn causes cancer in rats. Another scientific study by Podevin N. and Du Jardin, P. proved that most GM crops approved in the United States contains a virus that was not recognized during the crops first approval, the virus has negative effects on plants, animals and humans. This study was presented to the European Agency for Food Safety (EFSA).

The Mexican Government plans to authorize the planting of millions of hectares of transgenic corn.

Several communities and networks from Oaxaca, Mexico have declared 2013 the Year of Resistance Against Transgenic Maize and The Defense of Native Maize.

“They do not have a valid argument, but this is sheltered by the Crusade Against Hunger promoted by President Enrique Peña Nieto and is backed up by politicians through the Pact for Mexico. They have strong intentions to attack the Mexican maize fields.” Stated Alberto Gomez from UNORCA Yucatan (Farmers Union).

In December 2012 several organizations delivered a petition to the State Government, expressing concerns over GM Maize. The petition requested a meeting where federal officials and the organizations could openly discuss their arguments against planting GM Maize. Officials did schedule a meeting for Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Representatives from the Network in Defense of Maize, #YoSoy132 Environmental, the Urban Popular Movement (MUP-CND), the Youth for the National Emergency, and the National Assembly of Environmental Effects appeared to debate on Thursday. However, officials from SEMARNAT, SAGARPA, and CIBIOGEM failed to appear to the public debate.

“They [the Mexico Government] apparently wants to boost rural agriculture, which would provide financial resources, technology, marketing and consulting opportunities, but in reality [the planting of GMO Maize] will not promote the cultivation of local seeds, but it will implement strategies which will genetically contaminate Mexico Maize,” said Alberto Gomez.

Gomez considered that the absence of government officials at the debate clarifies their intentions to control the market of seeds and pesticides with transnational corporations that promote the cultivation of GMO’s. He stated that “Organics are for the rich, GMO’s are for the poor.”

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