“This is the first of many steps in bringing the benefits of biotech corn to Mexico’s farmers, which will help them increase their productivity using fewer resources and as a result improve their quality of life,” said Jose Manuel Madero, Monsanto business lead for Latin America North. “Through these trials, Mexican scientists will be able to obtain scientific data that will help us gain valuable insights on the best ways to manage this important crop in the Mexican environment.”
The six-month trials will start at the end of October 2009. Monsanto expects to deliver the results to Mexico’s authorities in May 2010. Madero said the Monsanto team expects the results of the trials will help alleviate any concerns the Mexico government has had related to biotechnology.
“Mexican regulators have put in place a detailed, rigorous review process,” Madero said. “We are appreciative of the efforts they have taken to ensure a science-based assessment of this technology.”
The framework put in place guidelines for introduction of biotech corn in Mexico in order to protect Mexico’s corn landraces. Mexico established a moratorium on biotech corn plantings in 1997, with the caveat that it would be lifted when such a regulatory framework was implemented.
The field trials in Sonora of Monsanto corn technologies NK603 (Roundup Ready Corn 2), MON 89034 x NK603 (YieldGard VT PRO and Roundup Ready Corn 2) and MON 89034 x MON88017 (Genuity VT Triple PRO ) will be conducted by local researchers. Researchers will generate scientific data on agronomic equivalency and environmental interactions as well as field efficacy, insect control and herbicide tolerance of select corn traits. Additionally, the trials will allow scientists in Mexico to compare their results to studies conducted around the world on the corn technology and develop research in the northern Mexico state.
Monsanto also has received field trial permits for the states of Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.
