Congratulations to the winner of our 2023 Pax Natura Award. Board members Randall Tolpinrud, Forrest Cutch, Denise Lynch, Jordan Anderson, Steve Estes and Steve Tolpinrud traveled to Mexico City, joining local trustees, Jimena and Maria Gárate to honor Demanda Colectiva Maíz for their tremendous efforts and success in blocking Monsanto and genetically modified corn from entering Mexico for the past 10 years.
About Demanda Colectiva Maíz
On July 5, 2013, a significant event unfolded in Mexico as 53 individuals and 20 organizations, spanning peasant, indigenous, academic, scientific, artistic, consumer, and gastronomic spheres, took a historic step. They collectively filed a class action lawsuit that sought to address a critical concern: the release and planting of transgenic corn and its potential irreversible impact on the biological diversity of native corn, affecting not only current but also future generations. This legal action also underscored the rights to food and health, placing them at the forefront of the debate.
Since the year 2014, this lawsuit has effectively prevented the legal planting of transgenic corn within Mexican territory, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s agricultural and environmental history.
Fast forward to October 2021, when the ministers of the Supreme Corte de Justicia de la Nación unanimously rejected appeals lodged by transnational companies. These appeals were fortified by more than 130 fallacious and contradictory arguments. Notably, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the 2013 Precautionary Measure, which has continued to hold sway over the issue, persisting until the trial reaches its final resolution.
However, the impact of this legal battle extends beyond the courtroom. On October 16, 2023, the Franz Mayer Museum was the setting for a prestigious ceremony. The Pax Natura Foundation bestowed its 2023 award upon the collective known for championing the cause of maize and demanding environmental responsibility. This recognition symbolizes not only the importance of their efforts but also the broader significance of safeguarding the environment and preserving the cultural and biological heritage of a nation.
In the face of complex legal challenges and powerful interests, the collective’s dedication to protecting Mexico’s native corn and the values it represents is a testament to the enduring spirit of environmental advocacy and social responsibility. The award ceremony stands as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect our planet’s precious resources for future generations.