Hybrid Seeds Threaten Mexico's Rich Corn Diversity

In the heart of Mexico's vibrant agricultural landscape, a silent struggle is unfolding between tradition and modernity. Despite 70 percent of Mexican farmers valiantly clinging to their roots by cultivating native grains, the remaining 30 percent, largely composed of major producers, have succumbed to the allure of hybrid seeds. This shift is not just about farming practices; it's a battle for genetic diversity, sustainability, and the very essence of Mexican culinary traditions.

Gladys Iliana Cassab López, a researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology at UNAM, sheds light on the consequences of this trend. The adoption of hybrid seeds by large-scale farmers is causing a drastic loss in genetic diversity. While 70 percent of corn in Mexico remains native, the dominance of hybrid varieties has left farmers cultivating only a fraction of the traditional grains they once did.

Cassab López explains, “Fewer and fewer varieties are used, with some farmers reducing their traditional grains from seven or eight to just two, especially those dedicated to making tortillas.” The invasion of hybrids has encroached upon ancestral lands and threatens the livelihoods of those dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine.

The lure of hybrid seeds is not without its challenges. Farmers who opt for hybrids intending to replant part of the obtained grains find a significant drop in yield, up to 70 percent. This compels them to purchase new seeds every season, mirroring the cycle seen with transgenics. Seed companies argue that the yield of native corn is low, citing up to four tons per hectare, compared to hybrids that can supposedly yield up to 10 tons. However, Cassab López contests these claims, emphasizing the sustainable benefits of traditional milpa practices.

Environmental Impact

The battle for native grains extends beyond the fields into the environmental domain. Traditional milpa practices, characterized by rainfed agriculture and avoidance of herbicides, offer a more sustainable alternative. In contrast, hybrid grain crops erode the soil, contaminate it through herbicide use, and contribute to increased carbon dioxide emissions. The livestock-centric nature of hybrid seeds further exacerbates water demands, a precious resource in a country where not all have equal access.

Cassab López and her team at UNAM are actively working to counteract this trend. By studying and identifying native corn varieties, they aim to showcase the resilience of these crops in the face of water scarcity and global warming. Moreover, they advocate for the transformation of native grains into high-value products, empowering indigenous communities to become traders and reducing their reliance on hybrid grains.

In the battle between tradition and modernity, the preservation of Mexico's agricultural heritage hangs in the balance. Farmers face a choice between the promises of higher yields from hybrids and the sustainability, diversity, and cultural significance embedded in native grains. As efforts persist to educate, empower, and transform farming practices, the hope is that Mexico's cornfields will continue to echo the stories of generations past, sustaining both the land and its people.