Una vez que concluyó el plazo de dos meses que establece la Ley de Bioseguridad y Organismos Genéticamente Modificados (LBOGM) para resolver sobre las reconsideraciones de las siete solicitudes para el desarrollo de la siembra experimental de maíz genéticamente modificado, el Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) desestimó este proceso.

El organismo adscrito a la SAGARPA informó que aún no se cuenta, entre otros instrumentos jurídicos, con el Acuerdo que determina las áreas geográficas en las que se localizan los centros de origen y de diversidad genética del maíz, así como con el Régimen Especial de Protección del Maíz.

El SENASICA reitera que en sus decisiones en el tema de los organismos genéticamente modificados prevalecerá el fundamento científico y su estricto apego a la LBOGM para poner a disposición de los productores agrícolas de México las tecnologías que mejoren su competitividad y condiciones de vida.

Source: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/cgcs/boletines/2006/octubre/B262.htm.

Source: CropBiotech Update

Approval for field trials of biotech maize in Mexico denied

The Department of Agriculture of Mexico (SAGARPA) has announced this week that the seven requests for authorization for biotech maize field trials submitted to the National Service of Health, Safety and Quality of Agriculture in Mexico (SENASICA), have not been granted approval.

SENASICA has stated that two legal requirements need to be met before approval is granted: a map of the depicting the centers of origin and genetic diversity of maize, and a program outlining measures to protect native species.

Source: USDA/FAS GAIN report MX6084

Secretariat of Agriculture (SAGARPA) denies authorization for transgenic corn field tests

The Secretariat of Agriculture (SAGARPA) denied applications for permits to sow genetically modified corn. SAGARPA authorities claim that the denial was based on the fact that the Secretariat has no legal authority to authorize such field trials. Seed companies, such as Monsanto, and corn growers in Mexico’s northern region, expected the GOM to authorize transgenic corn field trials. In an official statement, the Secretariat explained the National Health and Safety Service (Senasica) still does not have, among other legal mechanisms, the “Special Corn Protection Regime”. This Regime would determine the geographical areas that are the centers-of-origin for corn. Senasica reiterated that decisions about genetically modified organisms will be based only on science, and will fully comply with the Mexican bio-safety law.

Source: Reforma & El Finaciero; 10/17/2006