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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO December 29, 2001: Looking for a control sample for a project to produce natural, organic corn, a variety over 4,000 years old, Oaxaca’s Uzachi agricultural researchers sought out the Zapotec Indian village of Calpulalpan in November, 2000. After analyzing the sample, they were surprised to find that it contained a gene common in genetically modified plants. Thinking that their equipment was not working properly, the researchers went back to the mountains for further samples. Only after venturing more than three hours from the state capital of Oaxaca were they able to find two fields out of six that did not contain engineered plants. Researcher Francisco Chapela published his findings in Nature science magazine in December of 2001. Mexicans were outraged by the findings mainly because of their belief that the Gods created man from an ear of corn. Scientists are concerned that the genetically modified corn, apparently coming from farmers who plant GM corn imported only for consumption, will contaminate Mexico’s gene pool of at least 60 corn varieties that provide diversification to staple crops worldwide. Over 80 scientists from twelve countries have appealed to the Mexican government to stop the genetic contamination. On the flip side, advocates of GM corn claim they are not alarmed by the findings. They say the environment will benefit by planting these crops as they need less pesticide or soil cultivation. But the inability to control introduction of GM plants into the environment, with subsequent unknown consequences, has been one main objections to the rapid release of GM crops.

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