A local campaign aimed at promoting the preservation of Mexico’s heirloom corn species has been launched as a follow-up to the recent March against Monsanto, a worldwide movement against the spread of genetically modified (GMO) seeds and crops.
The Festival del Maiz, held June 30 at the Ajijic Malecon, was planned to raise awareness among the native populace by encouraging traditional farming and culinary practices. Local housewives cranked out scores of fresh tortillas made from native corn ground into dough, served with refried beans and nopal cactus as tasty taco fillings.
Participants included the drum and bugle corps from Chapala’s Basilio Vadillo primary school. Inspired by the event, one of the school’s teachers is now planning to start a container vegetable gardening project at the campus during the next academic term. The Ajijic Tuesday Farmer’s Market will collaborate with pure seed stock and technical guidance.