More than 120 Lakeside residents, Mexicans and Expats, rallied at the lake front, shouted support for speakers, and marched through the streets of Ajijic bearing signs, thereby joining the worldwide "March Against Monsanto" called for this day. Monsanto, the giant global chemical, biotech, and agricultural corporation has drawn widespread criticism for its apparent attempt to patent and control the world's use seeds by promoting "GMO" genetically-modified seeds and plants. Increasing numbers of people around the world believe GMO products to be insufficiently tested, harmful to health, and a threat to natural foods and to the farmers that grow them. Especially at risk are the many varieties of native Mexican corn, a fundamental element of the country's food and culture.
Our local event was organized in ten days by a coalition of Lakeside's environmentally-concerned groups and individuals. It was met with enthusiasm by its participants and—going by facial expressions of some—wonderment by some local villagers as the "parade' passed by.
See these websites for more information about the issues and today's worldwide response:
http://www.march-against-monsanto.com
https://www.facebook.com/MarchAgainstMonstanto
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/25/march-against-monsanto-gmo-protest_n_3336627.html