The Mexican Congress approved Wednesday’s revision of the Constitution that prohibits the cultivation of genetically modified corn – but not the imports of genetically modified cereals.

The approval of the revision was recorded on the backdrop of the tensions of trade with Donald Trump’s US trade – the US president this week has imposed a 25% customs duties on Canada and Mexico.

This initiative, taken by President Claouda Seinbaum, was approved Wednesday – with 97 votes in favor of 16 against – in the Senate, a week after adopting it by the House.

The text is still expected to secure the approval of the local parliaments of 17 of the 32 states where the ruling party has the majority.

The revision of the Constitution approved yesterday does not include any reference to imports.

Stipulates that corn cultivation in Mexico must be ‘free’ of genetic modifications with ‘ help techniques overcoming natural barriers“

It allows for the sowing of cereals improved thanks to selection methods based on traditional practices, but prohibits corn cultivation modified with “modern biotechnological techniques”.

Mexico is the second largest corn buyer in the world, especially yellow corn, with 95% coming from the US market, where the production of genetically modified maize reaches 93% of the total.

However, the country is self -sufficient in terms of white corn production, which is a key nutritional in the country of 129 million inhabitants.