The Mexican government plans to be glyphosate-free by 2024. Glyphosate is the main ingredient used by the infamous chemical company, Monsanto in its herbicide Roundup. Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) hopes to free Mexican soil from its contaminants by phasing out use over the next few years. (1)
Monsanto Herbicides Lead To Lawsuits
Glyphosate is the subject of thousands of lawsuits claiming it causes non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Exposure to the pesticide degrades health including potential for cancer, malformations, encephalopathy, autism, and Parkinson’s. (1)
Both the World Health Organization and the state of California view Monsanto’s Roundup as a probable carcinogen. As a result, judges are awarding millions of dollars to those suing the company for damages. (1)
Herbicides Cause Far-Reaching Damage
Those most exposed to the chemical include farmers and landscapers. However, grains, vegetables and fruits treated with the herbicide also contain residues. In an endless cycle of contamination, secondhand exposure also reaches meat and dairy products. In the end, it also reaches the plates and tables of families. (1)
For example, the tortilla, a Mexican staple in Mexico, uses white and yellow corn flour containing transgenic corn and high levels of glyphosate. One of the main companies supplying the cornflour, Maseca, says the cornmeal meets all standards of existing regulations. This is the type of situation the government hopes to avoid. (1)
As with any chemical, the damage is far-reaching. It not only puts humans at risk, but complete ecosystems. Surrounding areas where the herbicide is used can see life completely erased from tiny organisms in the soil to larger animals such as birds. (1)
Alternative Herbicides Being Sought
Meanwhile, the National Council of Science and Technology in Mexico is seeking alternative methods to protect crops. Some analysis focuses on indigenous farming methods used for thousands of years. It will be interesting to see what their research finds. (1)
AgroEcological Method Adopted
Mexico’s plan includes adopting an agroecological model, respectful of nature, and human health. Sadly, the country’s farms have seen decades of pesticide use in hand with GMOs. Mexico plans to ban GMOs eventually as well. (1)
“Food, in addition, must circulate through fair, organic, solidarity and short distance markets, multiplying street markets and seed and diverse product fairs,” says Víctor M. Toledo, head of the Semarnat. “Finally, thousands of cooperatives must be created to connect agro-ecological production with the broad consumer sectors of the cities: buildings, neighborhoods, schools, unions, universities, factories, hospitals, etc. Only in this way will the 4T government be able to purify the blood of Mexicans, still contaminated by soft drinks, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins, after three decades of neoliberal governments.”
Food Labeling
Much of the Mexican population remains uninformed about the content of the foods they eat. However, later this year, food labeling will hopefully provide some insight. The country also plans to provide information about the healthier food choices available once they introduce new agroecological systems. In hand with food labeling, advertising will educate the public about the herbicide. They want everyone to understand the dangers the herbicide poses while also making it easier for them to make smarter food choices. (1)
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