Sheinbaum: Preserving native corn defends national sovereignty

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the preservation of native corn varieties, linking it directly to the defense of national sovereignty. She highlighted that the "Corn is the Root" program aims to improve the living conditions of producers and prevent Mexico from becoming dependent on seeds sold by major corporations.

During a meeting with farmers in Pijijiapan municipality, Sheinbaum stated, "Conserving native corn also means defending sovereignty, because sovereignty is not only the people of Mexico defending their territory; it also means having food sovereignty."

She warned that the proliferation of hybrid seeds could create economic dependency for farmers. She stressed that preserving native varieties is fundamental for the country's identity and self-sufficiency. "If we continue only with hybrid corn, what will happen? People will depend on buying seeds, and those who sell seeds are just a few companies," she indicated.

Sheinbaum reiterated that the Fourth Transformation government is committed to defending sovereignty in all its forms. "Sovereignty is also energy sovereignty, cultural sovereignty, and food sovereignty. That is why we, who are part of the Fourth Transformation, defend sovereignty in every possible way," she affirmed.