Mexico has reformed its law to allow planting of genetically modified (GM) corn on experimental plots, ending 11 years of moratorium and controversy. Until this change in the law announced in March, Mexico had banned GM corn cultivation completely. Even though legislation governing GM crops had been passed in 2005, because Mexico is considered the birthplace of corn, rules related to GM were deemed to require special treatment.

Fabrice Salamanca, director general of AgroBio Mexico, a Mexican biotech association, explains that the recently amended guidelines contained in the Biosafety Law on Genetically Modified Organisms, also establish the need to create a seed bank to preserve different types of native or 'criollo' maize and provide financial support to encourage the use and conservation of native varieties. The experimental plots will be located exclusively in the northern region of Mexico, far from the states with native corn diversity.

Critics argue that, despite the rigorous specifications set out in the newly reformed law, data on the potential impact of GM corn on the crop's genetic diversity are lacking. But Salamanca points out that performing any survey in situ would have been impossible because the Biosafety Law prevented experimental GM planting. The new regulations, which include three phases-experimental, pilot crops and commercial planting-will ensure crops are assessed on a case-by-case basis. "If [the growers] don't provide evidence of the GM crop's value, they won't be allowed to continue cultivation."