Mexico City vows to stand behind native corn varieties

Corn is Mexico’s staple crop, and protecting native varieties from transgenic infiltration may be its prime route to a more food-secure, sustainable future. Mexico City will take steps to protect 60 corn varieties native to its territory (the Mexican Altiplano), support research into improving local varieties, fund farmers who grow native seeds and promote organic practices. The purchase of transgenic corn in Mexico City is now banned, although northern states have approved the experimental use of GM crops (commercial planting remains banned). Full story: Science and Development Network