“Monsanto Law” in Guatemala

After the defeat of the “Monsanto Law” in Guatemala on September 15, 2014, there has been significant resistance to Monsanto’s presence in the country. The law, formally known as Decree 19-2014, was repealed due to massive protests by indigenous communities and farmers, who opposed the mandate requiring them to purchase and use Monsanto’s genetically modified seeds. These seeds were designed to be sterile after one harvest, which would have forced farmers to buy new seeds each season, increasing their dependence on Monsanto.

Since the repeal, there have been ongoing concerns about similar legislation potentially resurfacing under different guises. Although the immediate threat was averted, the broader issues related to trade agreements and the privatization of seeds continue to pose challenges. The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), ratified by Guatemala in 2006, opened the country to the importation of U.S. corn, affecting local farmers and the price of corn domestically. This situation underscores the persistent vulnerability of Guatemalan agriculture to external pressures and multinational corporations (Truthout) (Homepage).

“Monsanto Law” in Guatemala

Despite the legal and social hurdles, it appears that Monsanto and similar corporations still face strong opposition and limited market penetration in Guatemala. The resistance from indigenous communities and local farmers remains robust, highlighting their commitment to preserving traditional agricultural practices and seed sovereignty.