Monsanto arguments before the judge for permission to GM corn

As part of the legal process of the class action on genetically modified (GM) maize, Monsanto, companies and government agencies involved in the trial and presented to the Twelfth District Judge in Civil Matters of the Federal District arguments and evidence on the whether to revoke the temporary suspension prohibiting the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) review new permit applications for release of GM maize and the granting of new permits.
Among the arguments presented by companies and government agencies are matches on the damages that the suspension generates, not only for businesses but for farmers and for the country and being an obstacle to the development of agriculture in Mexico.
To continue the suspension, agricultural biotechnology research carried out by public and private universities, institutes funded by the Federal Government, civil society organizations, independent scientists and companies that are active in the country would be limited.
Furthermore, the technological development of tools that Mexican farmers can use to be more productive is prevented. It also restricts their right to choose what technology to use on their crops, based on their interests and needs, to produce nutritious and safe food for consumers.
Although Mexico is center of origin and genetic diversity of maize each year imports an average of 10 million tonnes of maize (of which over 80% is genetically modified). This equates to approximately 40 billion dollars, an amount that farmers receive when other countries could benefit from Mexican producers. The current measure, Mexico alienates its goal of achieving self-sufficiency in maize production, so continue dependence on imports to guarantee domestic supply.

The benefits of biotechnology exposed to the judge, show that this technology reduces the use of care products as crop pesticides and fertilizers, increasing productivity and profitability of crops, in addition to raising the competitiveness of farmers.

Biotechnology has also seen benefits in the care of the environment since it contributes to the reduction in water consumption, it allows less use of fuels such as diesel in tractors and energy saving, offers the resistance of crops pests and extreme weather conditions such as frost and drought. All this allows for a more sustainable agriculture.

One of the strongest arguments presented to the Court is that it is proven that GM organisms are safe for consumption (safe) and who were assessed according to law, under the highest scientific standards that apply in Mexico by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) and internationally by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Currently, the Twelfth District Judge in Civil District analyzes these arguments with those who had other businesses and agencies of the Federal Government and the SAGARPA; the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection; the National Council for Science and Technology; the Federal Competition Commission; the Ministry of Health and the Interministerial Commission on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms.
Monsanto will be mindful of the resolution to be issued by a judge in the coming days in which you define whether to maintain or denies the suspension of existing permits release of GM maize, as well as the prohibition to review new applications and issuing new permits from the SAGARPA.

Source: Monsanto