Mexican farmers, scientists and consumers are facing the uncertain implications of a new national policy banning the import and cultivation of genetically modified (GM) maize. Though Mexico’s President framed his decree as supporting sustainable agriculture and improved quality of life for farmers, it’s becoming apparent that banning scientific innovation from the country’s fields will have significant consequences on productivity, food prices and trade policies. In this AfS Live webinar, fifth-generation Mexican farmer Gina Gutierrez and Mexican economist Fernando Cruz Morales will discuss the decree and those most likely to be impacted if it is implemented as written. The Gutierrez family farm cultivates 40 hectares of crops to produce silage for its 420 milking cows. Gina Gutierrez started the La Vida Lactea dairy advocacy group on social media, holds a master’s degree in corporate law and is the 2018 winner of the Global Farmer Network’s Kleckner Award. Morales has more than 15 years of experience in the public finance and policy sectors, developing policies related to the agri-food sector, environment and energy. In the private sector he has consulted with firms focused on the development of market research, new business development and negotiations with senior managers. He holds master’s degrees in public administration as well as economics and public policy. In recent years he has perfected his management capacity at the Pan American Institute of Senior Business Management (IPADE) with a focus on private equity and agribusiness. Luis Ventura, a scientist and the Alliance’s Mexico-based contributor, will moderate the session.
