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The Decline in Maize Prices, Biodiversity, and Subsistence Farming in Mexico

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  • Alan Seals
  • Joachim Zietz

Abstract

Concern over the loss of genetic diversity in the world's field crops has increased due to the commercial introduction of genetically modified crops. Mexico is particularly sensitive to this issue, as it is the center of genetic diversity for maize and home to a large number of indigenous farmers who propagate this diversity. This paper analyzes to what extent the biodiversity of maize may be endangered as subsistence farmers face decreasing market prices of maize. Off-farm migration is suggested as a potential rational response of farmers to the large and rapidly growing imports of maize from the U.S., a large share of which consists of genetically modified maize. The maize imports from the U.S. are seen not only as worsening the terms of trade of subsistence farmers but also as raising the risk of lower yields as indigenous varieties of maize may lose their resilience to environmental stress through contamination with genetically modified maize.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan Seals & Joachim Zietz, 2009. "The Decline in Maize Prices, Biodiversity, and Subsistence Farming in Mexico," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 54(2), pages 10-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:54:y:2009:i:2:p:10-20
    DOI: 10.1177/056943450905400202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Negassa, Asfaw & Hellin, Jonathan & Shiferaw, Bekele A., 2012. "Determinants of Adoption and Spatial Diversity of Wheat Varieties on Household Farms in Turkey," Socioeconomics Program Working Papers 147106, CIMMYT: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.

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