In a decisive move to protect Mexico’s agricultural heritage and biodiversity, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Congress will deliberate a ban on the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) corn in February 2025. The initiative, grounded in ecological and cultural preservation, comes on the heels of a critical resolution by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) panel on GM corn regulations.

“Without corn, there is no country,” Sheinbaum asserted during the inauguration of the Regional General Hospital No. 2 in Ciudad Juárez. Her words resonated deeply in a nation where maize is not merely a crop but a symbol of identity and sustenance. The proposed legislation seeks to curb the environmental risks posed by GM crops while safeguarding the genetic diversity of native corn varieties that have sustained Mexican communities for millennia.

The President’s announcement, however, is not without controversy. Critics argue that banning GM corn may strain trade relations and impact agricultural productivity. Supporters counter that the move aligns with the broader goals of food sovereignty and ecological integrity, emphasizing the value of long-term sustainability over short-term economic gains.

Sheinbaum also highlighted the broader economic context of Mexico’s relationship with its USMCA partners. Trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada has surged by 48% since 2020, with U.S.-Mexico bilateral trade reaching nearly $798 billion. While acknowledging the importance of this economic interdependence, Sheinbaum framed the GM corn ban as a necessary measure to assert national priorities in the face of global market pressures.