Biotechnology in the Corporate Food Regime: Critical Responses by Mexican Activists

• In Event: 2353 - Rural Sociology

Abstract

Analyses of the anti-genetic engineering movement tend to focus on arguments related to health and the environment; however, few studies analyze the voices of indigenous farmers in the Global South. In order to capture the voices of indigenous activism, I interviewed Mexican farmers and activists opposed to genetic engineering (GE). Mexico is a compelling case study of GE activism because of national resistance to the North American Free Trade Agreement and GE corn, and the indigenous historical and cultural connections to corn. Qualitative study of Mexican farmers and activists engaged in resistance to GE reveals concerns beyond human health and the environment, thus showing a limit to scientism in debate about GE. I found that Mexican anti-GE activists and farmer’s rights advocates perceive GE as: (1) having problematic ties to corporate power and neoliberal policy, (2) being an insufficient solution to Mexico’s problems with food security, and (3) creating new problems for the environment. Additionally, concerns were based in a desire to preserve local economies and farmer autonomy. Based on these findings, I argue that resistance to GE-enhanced foods is based in opposition to a corporate food regime.

Author

• Jennifer Bea Rogers-Brown, Long Island University, Post