Mexico Bolsters Corn Seed Bank Protection Following Constitutional Ban on GMO Varieties

President Sheinbaum Announces Enhanced Corn Seed Protection

On September 29, 2025, during the observance of National Corn Day, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a significant federal initiative to strengthen germplasm banks across Mexico. This move aims to further safeguard the nation's 64 corn varieties, a cornerstone of Mexican cultural heritage and food security. The announcement comes in the wake of a recent constitutional reform that explicitly prohibits the planting of genetically modified (GM) corn within the country.

Constitutional Safeguards for Native Corn

The strengthening of germplasm banks is a direct consequence of a landmark constitutional amendment, enacted on March 17, 2025. This reform, which amended Articles 4 and 27 of the Mexican Constitution, declares native corn an 'element of national identity' and bans the domestic cultivation of GM corn. President Sheinbaum has consistently articulated the philosophy behind this decision, often quoting the popular saying, 'Sin maíz no hay país' ('Without corn there is no country'), emphasizing its deep connection to Mexico's origins and Indigenous peoples. The reform solidifies previous measures and aims to prevent the contamination of native varieties by genetically modified crops, a concern raised by Mexican scientists who warn of threats to biodiversity and food sovereignty.

This constitutional mandate follows earlier efforts, including a 2023 decree by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which sought to restrict GM corn use. While a December 2024 USMCA dispute panel ruling found Mexico's import restrictions on GM corn for certain uses to be unsubstantiated, the constitutional amendment specifically targets the cultivation of GM corn, reaffirming Mexico's stance on protecting its traditional agriculture.

Bolstering Genetic Diversity through Germplasm Banks

Germplasm banks serve as vital repositories for preserving the genetic material of plant varieties, ensuring the protection of their distinct genetic makeup. Mexico is home to a rich diversity of corn, with 64 recognized varieties, 59 of which are native. Notably, Mexico already houses the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Texcoco, recognized as the world's largest maize germplasm bank. President Sheinbaum's plan focuses on fortifying this existing system to ensure the comprehensive protection of all these varieties, which are considered crucial for global food security and climate resilience.

A Comprehensive National Agricultural Strategy

The initiative to strengthen corn seed banks is part of a broader agricultural program dubbed 'Sin maíz no hay país,' which seeks to support corn producers and enhance food sovereignty. The government's strategy includes several key components:

• Promoting molecular analysis laboratories for transgene sampling and analysis.
• Creating and strengthening four new seed houses.
• Implementing training programs, subsidies, and support for farmers.
• Aiming to increase white corn production to 25 million tons by the end of President Sheinbaum's six-year term.

The Altepetl program, which benefits producers, will also be strengthened to protect and restore ecosystems and promote sustainable agroecological practices. These efforts underscore the government's commitment to ensuring that Mexico has sufficient corn to feed its population, reducing dependence on imports, and fostering a more sovereign and independent agricultural sector.