GE Free Maize in Mexico

México is the original home of maize (corn) and over thousands of years around 200 different varieties have naturally developed. Different varieties of maize have different uses. There are maize varieties that are used specifically for tortillas, tamales, atoles, pozole and also varieties that are used for animal feed.

But all this wonderful natural diversity is under threat as companies like Monsanto and Dow are trying to pressure Mexico to allow GE maize to be grown. If Mexico allows GE maize to be cultivated then the natural genetic diversity of maize will be contaminated with unknown consequences.

Help us to defend the home of maize from contamination by writing to the Mexican President, Vicente Fox.

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Lic. Vicente Fox Quesada 
President of México

Dear Mr. President,

I know you are under pressure from GE corporations like Monsanto, Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences for you to grant them approval to cultivate GE maize in México. I know this pressure also comes from large-scale farmers and local authorities that falsely believe that GE maize will increase their yields and reduce the need to spray toxic agrochemicals on their land.

However, several scientific studies and Mexican scientists have repeatedly concluded that GE maize won't overcome Mexico's agricultural challenges, but could dangerously contaminate the centre of origin and biodiversity of maize, with unknown consequences both for the environment and the Mexican people.

The invaluable centre of origin of maize must be protected as the global heritage that it is. Therefore I ask you NOT to give in to the pressure of corporations who want to experiment with GE maize in Mexico. You should listen to the warning of the scientists who demand a moratorium on the cultivation of GE maize in Mexico and the urgent monitoring of GE pollution. .

I ask you to act responsibly to protect maize biodiversity for world food security and prevent the cultivation of GE maize in Mexico.

Sincerely,