The CIMMYT Maize Program and Transgenic Maize
The controversy surrounding transgenic (or, genetically modified-GM) maize continues. Since Mexico is center of origin of maize, the government does not permit the planting of transgenic maize, because of the possible impact on maize genetic diversity. CIMMYT's response to this issue must be careful and scientific, since some of the questions related to transgenic maize do not yet have satisfactory answers. In that spirit:
1. We endorse the value and potential benefits of GM maize for people and the environment. However, we believe that any decision on transgenic maize in a country is that of the country. CIMMYT can work with countries that choose to use the technology, by providing training, scientific information, and information on intellectual property and biosafety policy and procedures.
2. More research is needed on the genetic consequences of transgenes for maize diversity, especially on issues relating to expression, fitness, and selection pressure.
3. To ensure confidence in and public acceptance of studies on biosafety and diversity, in relation to GM maize, we recommend that such studies be conducted by or in collaboration with reputable public institutions.
4. Given that Mexico is the center of origin for maize and that seed from private companies may contain transgenes, CIMMYT will not grow germplasm from private companies on its Mexican experiment stations and will not distribute the seed in our trials as checks.
5. Private sector germplasm may be used at CIMMYT outreach sites, if done carefully and only when essential. CIMMYT trials distributed in Africa, South America, and Asia, and not grown in Mexico, may include private sector hybrids as checks, provided the source company furnishes a written statement to the effect that the hybrid (s) contain no transgenes, to the best of their knowledge. If the company cannot provide such a statement and the CIMMYT scientist must use a private sector hybrid, the scientist must first justify the need to the Maize Program Director and have the germplasm analyzed and certified as transgene-free by an independent service provider recommended by the CIMMYT Applied Biotechnology Center.
6. For germplasm held in or considered for introduction into the collections of the CIMMYT maize germplasm bank, the following procedures will be followed:
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Test for the presence of transgenes using existing kits and tools, before introducing new seed in the gene bank as designated materials.
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Sow a 5-meter wide buffer of non-GM maize around germplasm regeneration blocks, to trap pollen from non-germplasm bank materials.
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All regenerations will be conducted using strict hand-pollination.
7. CIMMYT will continue to put emphasis on collecting, regenerating, and preserving local landraces, and assisting farmers who continue to grow them, as the primary mechanism for conserving and enhancing diversity.
April, 2007