Maize farmers in Tlaxcala: viability, characterization and responses to transgenic corn

Abstract

This article contains the results of a study on the maize farmers of Tlaxcala. The aim was to situate the peasant characteristics of these producers within the framework of the theoretical discussion on the new agrarian issue, and to link them to the social effects of the possible commercial release of transgenic corn. In 2011, a law was approved in Tlaxcala to protect native maize, which prohibits the commercial planting of transgenic maize, promoted by a legislator, various social actors and the Vicente Guerrero Group (gvg), which has helped conserve native corn. The law is not enforced because the regulations have not been approved, but it sets a precedent and the gvg, together with other social actors, is pressing for the missing approval. The article begins with a brief reflection on the strength of the peasantry, and presents findings showing why the release of commercial transgenic corn does not favor Tlaxcala farmers because of their peasant characteristics.