The earth is sacred, thanks must be given for harvest, offerings must be made to the waters, the earth must feel the pascolero´s insistent beat, the wind and the sun must be invoked if the cycle is to continue. Now Mexico´s native corn is being purposely contaminated with genetically modified varieties, like smallpox fouled blankets once given as gifts. Indigenous farmers continue to plant, as they always have, and protest to defend their timeless inheritance.
Though "genocide" is a word tied to the WWII holocaust, the concept of annihilating a genus or species, is now applicable to the planned and systematic genetic contamination carried out by biotech dealers and industrialized farmers who have become addicted to their seed and chemicals.
In Chihuahua, those clamoring for the legalization of GM corn are those who have no seed of their own. At stake is a genetic patrimony that has evolved over thousands of years alongside the indigenous cultures that have safeguarded and planted out the seed to this day.