Genetically Modified maize (irreversible, global human, environmental impact) OUT say concerned scientists



Preserve, defend “community-controlled, biodiversity-based food systems” ─ an ethical imperative
Excerpting, editing by Carolyn Bennett



From UNIÓN DE CIENTÍFICOS COMPROMETIDOS CON LA SOCIEDAD, A.C. (UCCS) letter to Mexico’s head of state



Genetically Modified maize in México scientists believe will have “irreversible, adverse effects on maize agricultural biodiversity, on farmer livelihoods, and on the right to food – not only for México and its people, but for maize farmers and consumers around the world.”



Being “bound by a sense of ethical duty to preserve this critical resource for humanity, and at the heart of the Mesoamerican culture,” UCCS wrote in 2009, “we demand that the administrations of President Felipe Calderón, as well as that of the elected President, take all necessary measures to guarantee that no transgenic maize is released in Mexico, the center of origin and diversity of this essential food crop.”



The UCCS said that its report, GM (genetically modified) maize in Mexico: An irreversible path away from agricultural biodiversity, farmer livelihoods and the right to food within the center of origin of maize (originally written in English to reach the international community), “has been endorsed by well-recognized networks of scientists and academics, and internationally recognized non-governmental organizations \"concerned about the impact of technological developments on society and the environment around the world: Unión de Científicos Comprometidos con la Sociedad (UCCS), European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER), Third World Network (TWN), GRAIN and the International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility (INES).



At the time of the letter, Mexico’s Union of Concerned Scientists (Unión de Científicos Comprometidos con la Sociedad de México) had issued a call to action statement signed by more than 2,000 academicians and scientists, Nobel laureates, winners of the Mexican national prize, and other concerned citizens around the world. The statement ─



Rejects the planting of genetically modified (GM)maize in Mexico
Alerts on threats to maize in its center of origin and diversity
Alerts of human health risks that may potentially result from large-scale releases of genetically modified maize in Mexico



In the statement Mexico’s Union of Concerned Scientists reemphasized its continuing quest for support and mission to inform academic and scientific communities on “the necessity to protect maize agricultural biodiversity.”



2013 has been declared the “Year of Resistance and Defense of Native Corn.”



Sources and notes



UNIÓN DE CIENTÍFICOS COMPROMETIDOS
CON LA SOCIEDAD, A.C.
San Pedro No. 70 Col. El Carmen Coyoacán C.P. 04100 México, D.F.
Tel. 5622-9013, 5658-4497, www.uccs.mx
November 26th, 2012.



To the President of Mexico, Lic . Felipe Calderón Hinojosa
To the Elected President of Mexico, Lic. Enrique Peña Nieto
To the Biosafety Authorities of the Government of Mexico
Signed: UCCS, Dr. Antonio Turrent (President)
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/71023113/A-peasant-experience-of-rescuing-co...



Mexico’s Union of Concerned Scientists statement publicly presented November 15, 2012,
San Pedro No. 70 Col. El Carmen Coyoacán C.P. 04100 México, D.F.
Tel. 5622-9013, 5658-4497, www.uccs.mx
http://www.grain.org/article/entries/4622-gm-maize-in-mexico-an-irrevers...
http://www.uccs.mx/doc/g/plantinggmo-corn



“Mexican farmers, environmentalists call on government to block large scale production of GMO corn ─ In Mexico, groups of small farmers and environmentalists are calling on the government to reject permit applications which would open up large swathes of productive agricultural land to commercial production of genetically modified corn. They cite cultural and scientific concerns. FSRN’s Shannon Young reports from Oaxaca,” Free Speech Radio News, January 9, 2013, http://fsrn.org/audio/mexican-farmers-environmentalists-call-government-...





Bennett's books are available in New York State independent bookstores: Lift Bridge Bookshop: www.liftbridgebooks.com [Brockport, NY]; Sundance Books: http://www.sundancebooks.com/main.html [Geneseo, NY]; Mood Makers Books: www.moodmakersbooks.com [City of Rochester, NY]; Dog Ears Bookstore and Literary Arts Center: www.enlightenthedog.org/ [Buffalo, NY]; Burlingham Books – ‘Your Local Chapter’: http://burlinghambooks.com/ [Perry, NY 14530]; The Bookworm: http://www.eabookworm.com/ [East Aurora, NY] • See also: World Pulse: Global Issues through the eyes of Women: http://www.worldpulse.com/ http://www.worldpulse.com/pulsewire http://www.facebook.com/#!/bennetts2ndstudy





Posted by Bennett's Study at 4:44 PM
Labels: community-controlled biodiversity-based food systems, GM maize v Native maize, Mexican farmers and environmentalists and scientists oppose GM maize, UNIÓN DE CIENTÍFICOS COMPROMETIDOS CON LA SOCIEDAD

Like this story?
Join World Pulse now to read more inspiring stories and connect with women speaking out across the globe!
Leave a supportive comment to encourage this author
Tell your own story
Explore more stories on topics you care about