Glyphosate is used as an active ingredient in herbicides, whose use has increased in recent decades mainly due to its effectiveness in chemically eliminating weeds such as grasses and plants considered "weeds." It is probably the most widely used herbicide worldwide, in Mexico in particular, said Dr. Patricia Ramos Morales, professor at the Faculty of Sciences at UNAM.
In crops Transgenic , modifications have been introduced so that plants are resistant to glyphosate , so it does not interrupt their production of amino acids. “Thus, for example, in transgenic corn crops, glyphosate causes the death of the weed, preventing it from competing for water, resources and solar energy,” he says. Although the manufacturers have assured that this compound is " innocuous ".
However, there is evidence suggesting indirect alterations by not be a selective herbicide such as the impact on other plants and microorganisms. Glyphosate residues can contaminate water and living beings, causing respiratory damage, increased oxidative stress, growth retardation and the most worrying thing is its possible effect as a generator of cancer . https://ciencia.unam.mx/leer/1089/glifosato-herbicida-que-no-hace-dano-
“The agencies in charge still do not have an alternative broad-spectrum, low-toxicity herbicide that can replace glyphosate in Mexico”
He On December 31, 2020, a decree was published in the DOF which caused a great stir by establishing the steps to follow by the agencies and entities of the Federal Public Administration to achieve the gradual substitution of the use, acquisition, distribution, promotion and importation of glyphosate in the country, as well as of the agrochemicals that contain it as an active ingredient. To achieve this, the deadline was set for January 31, 2024 .
However, the deadline was postponed until March 31. Following the launch of AMLO's second decree published in February of last year, the use of transgenic corn for human consumption was also banned. Likewise, AMLO assured that Conahcyt will find a substitute for the herbicide before his term ends next year. October 1st .
AMLO promises to find a substitute for glyphosate before the end of his term
He Presidential decree published in the DOF on February 13, 2023 , conditioned the abstention from granting authorizations and the revocation of registrations on three key points: Maintain agricultural production, Reduce the potential impact of replacing the substance, and Have alternatives, agroecological and healthy practices that allow us to completely do without herbicides.
The latter is still in process and the authorities still looking for options available and sufficient to be able to be applied and marketed at a national level. It should be noted that although the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) has the capacity to evaluate these alternatives and will assist you when they are available.
The Federal Government's commitment to implement this ban in 2024 faces several challenges such as:
Complexity in Substitution, Availability and Production, Costs and Accessibility, Marketing Chains, Rigorous Scientific Evaluations, and finally; Education, Training and Adoption .
Achieving this goal is a complex process that involves multiple factors. Mexican investigations are still under development, so the Federal Government has postponed the ban on glyphosate, given the lack of viable alternatives that fully allow for their replacement. The National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCYT) has presented the following progress in compliance with the decree.
The statement mentions a “progress, with a robust scientific basis,” which proves that crops where agrotoxin-free practices are implemented, such as the use of bioherbicides Developed with Mexican technology, they have higher yields and contribute to strengthening peasant networks; in addition, they offer the production of healthy food without causing damage to ecosystems, commented the general director of the National Council of Science and Technology (Conahcyt), Dr. María Elena Álvarez-Buylla Roces.
Within the framework of the cycle of conferences on food self-sufficiency and technological innovation with sustainable practices, led by the Undersecretariat of Food Self-Sufficiency of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), various actions and advances were presented, around the National Corn Day (September 29), under the principle of " without glyphosate, or GMOs ." When presenting advances, the reduction of imports of glyphosate, as well as the design of action mechanisms for the development of bioherbicides with Mexican technology, accessible and free of agrotoxins, as well as the design and validation of plans for various crops, without glyphosate; which ensure better yields, with scientific rigor and without undermining traditional knowledge.
In addition, they have supported 62 National Projects Research and Incidence (Pronaii) that identify culturally relevant alternatives, safe for human health and the environment, and various actions have been established in 25 states of the Republic. The identification of 22 bioinputs with potential to be bioherbicides generated from botanical extracts and fatty acid salts, as well as others made from industrial waste. For example, he highlighted the case of the manufacture of bioherbicides based on extracts from native plants of the semi-desert of Coahuila. Natural oils such as limonene, as well as steroidal saponins present in agaves are secondary metabolites involved in the defense mechanisms of plants against the attack of fungi, bacteria, yeasts and some insects, which have bioherbicidal effects.
During the presentation, Álvarez-Buylla Roces presented the route that Conahcyt has followed to achieve the implementation of agroecological transition models, giving as examples their application in commercial-scale corn fields, where it has been possible to document the increase in yields without the use of agrotoxins, and the strengthening of the technical and organizational capacities of producer networks such as the one that prevails in the north of the state of Veracruz.
A new model called the Conahcyt pentahelix articulates academia with national industries. To date, there are 22 successful experiences in 12 states, where favorable results are reported. In addition, a scientific dossier on glyphosate and genetically modified organisms (GMO) has been published, which brings together 271 scientific, technical and legal references, with 180 scientifically rigorous articles.
In a joint statement, the The Secretariats of Economy (SE), Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) and the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) reported that the conditions for replacing the use of glyphosate in Mexican agriculture have not yet been established.
This environmental policy setback underscores a worrying trend in government management: the systematic undermining of science in Mexico. The lack of transparent support and funding for scientific research has severely limited the country’s ability to develop domestic alternatives to glyphosate, highlighting the disconnect between public policy and scientific and technological capabilities.
Dependence on glyphosate not only poses health and environmental risks but also exposes Mexico to vulnerabilities in its agricultural sector. The transition to more sustainable agricultural practices that are less dependent on harmful chemicals is essential to ensure food security and the health of future populations. However, this transition requires a political framework that truly supports innovation and the development of alternative solutions.
Despite the obstacles, the current situation presents a unique opportunity for Mexico to lead in the research and development of alternatives to glyphosate. Investing in science and technology, specifically in areas related to sustainable agriculture and low-toxicity herbicides, can position the country as a benchmark in the implementation of innovative and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
The current situation is a reminder of the importance of strengthening the country's scientific and technological foundations by investing in research and development that can offer real solutions to the environmental and public health challenges facing Mexico. Only through a genuine commitment to science and innovation will the country be able to overcome current limitations and move towards a more sustainable future. However, the reality is that these processes take time. Failure to synchronize these times with political expectations has led to postponements and a lack of short-term solutions.
The delay in implementing the ban on glyphosate in Mexico and the still unfulfilled promise to find viable alternatives raise serious questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of government policies. This failure not only reflects the technical and scientific difficulty of replacing a herbicide so entrenched in modern agricultural practices, but also highlights the limitations of a " politically- timed" approach. The failure of environmental policy, the lack of transparency, and the influence of federal government interests over scientific mandates can be seen as attempts to divert attention from a lack of concrete action.
Similarly, the Patria vaccine was presented as a national solution to the COVID-19 challenge, driven by a strong feeling of the "4th Transformation", with sovereignty and self-sufficiency. Preclinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy (Phase 1 and Phase 2R) are reported. As of early 2023, volunteers were being recruited to move towards emergency approval." The rush to develop (September 2021) and authorize (2023) a vaccine in 2024, to be applied only in emergencies in 2025; which does not reflect an alignment with offering reliable solutions and results for public and health safety. The pressure has generated premature promises or unrealistic expectations. These delays and the management of expectations underline the lack of vision and knowledge of the scientific processes, undermining their credibility and trust, generating pressure on scientists, negative allocation of resources and financing, risk in possible collaborations and alliances.
The future of agriculture in Mexico and the protection of its natural and human heritage require a more integrated and clear approach. It is essential that the government strengthens its commitment to independent science and offers the development of policies based on solid, feasible, and ethical evidence; free from Obradorist ideological influence.
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