Biotech Corn a Concern

A recent Saint Paul Pioneer Press (Minnesota) article states that Mexico is trying to limit the importation of genetically modified corn from the United States after a NAFTA watchdog group recommended better regulation of the crop, something U.S. officials have said is unnecessary. Mexico imports about 5.6 million tons of American corn a year. Between 30 percent and 50 percent of that corn is genetically modified. A study recently released by the trilateral Commission for Environmental Cooperation said biotech corn is not likely to displace Mexico’s native species, which gave rise to modern corn. But it said no one knows for sure how much genetically modified corn has already been mistakenly planted in Mexican fields and recommended that steps be taken to slow the amount of biotech corn pouring across the border. (Registration required to view article.)