4-18 FB Mexican Corn

 Potential trouble for Mexico in terms of their corn crops.

The Idaho Statesman recently reported that plant specialists describe the native varieties of corn in Mexico as a genetic trove that might prove valuable should extreme weather associated with global warming get out of hand. Corn, one of the most widely grown grains in the world, is a key component of the global food supply.

But experts say Mexico's native varieties are themselves under peril — from economics and genetic contamination — potentially depriving humans of a crucial resource.

Genetically modified corn is said to be drifting southward and mingling with native varieties, potentially bringing unexpected aberrations and even possible extinction.

Douglas R. Jones, Executive Director, Growers for Biotechnology has heard reports such as this in the past and is not impressed with the gravity of the matter.  “That’s a pretty extreme quote I’d say a large exaggeration. It would come from cross-pollination if somebody had genetic corn reasonably close. I can’t tell you the distance but pollin doesn’t travel all that far. You can measure it in hundreds of yards or certainly less than miles.”