Mexican Majority Back GMO Maize Reform

A recent survey reveals that 81 percent of Mexican citizens support the protection of national resources, particularly through the reform of articles 4 and 27 of the Constitution. These reforms focus on the preservation and protection of native maize, ensuring its cultivation within the country remains free from genetic modifications.

The survey, conducted by QM Opinion Studies in partnership with Heraldo Media Group, found that the majority of respondents view this measure as a success. When asked about their level of agreement with the Constitutional Reform on protecting Mexican native maize and prohibiting the cultivation of GMO maize, 41 percent of respondents said they "Strongly agree", while 40 percent said they "Agree".

Only a small percentage of respondents expressed disagreement or uncertainty, with 9 percent answering "Neither agree nor disagree", 7 percent saying they "Disagree", 1 percent "Strongly disagree", and 2 percent "Don't know / Didn't answer".

When asked about the potential impact of this Constitutional Reform on their health, 56 percent of respondents believed it would affect them "Positively". Conversely, 12 percent thought it would impact them "Negatively", 22 percent said "It does not affect", and 10 percent "Don't know / Didn't answer".

The survey also explored perceptions of how the reform would affect the preservation of Mexico's native maize. Here, 61 percent of respondents believed the impact would be "Positive", while 12 percent thought it would be "Negative". 19 percent said "It does not affect", and 8 percent said "Don't know / Didn't answer".

This reform, enacted by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, stipulates that maize cultivation should be free from genetic modifications. It also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, food sovereignty, and agroecological management. These modifications were approved by Congress on October 30, 2024.