MEXICO CITY, Sept 28 - Mexico will decide in October whether it will allow experimental plantings of genetically modified corn, an agriculture ministry official said on Monday. DuPont Co., Dow Chemical and Monsanto have filed applications with the Mexican government for permission to begin testing their genetically modified corn strains.
"At this point we are working to draw up the permit necessary to authorize an experimental planting in the (winter) season," said Enrique Sanchez, the agriculture ministry's director of plant and animal health, in an interview.
Mexico passed legislation last year that regulated the procedure for approving genetically modified crops but environmentalists and some farmers are opposed to the introduction of the plants.
The government had previously cited the absence of legislation when it rejected previous requests for permission to plant genetically modified crops.
Corn plays a vital role in the Mexican diet and culture. Small producers in southern Mexico are concerned that the new crops could wipe out distinct local varieties. However even if experimental plantings are approved it could be years before commercial sales are permitted.
Source: Reuters
