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Zapatista corn attacked in ‘hate crime’ – replanting planned

A corn field planted in San Diego, Calif. on Earth Day 2010 in solidarity with the Zapatista movement of Chiapas, Mexico has been destroyed by vandals.

Supporters say the “corn seed for this planting was donated by Mayan farming families to publicize their resistance to genetically modified – GMO – corn and to seek sanctuary for their heritage corn seed which is now threatened with GMO contamination.”

The destruction of the corn field might not seem like a big deal, but those who helped plant the corn say they believe the attack is a “hate crime” and can been seen as part of the same anti-immigrant and anti-Mexico “hysteria” that has been spreading across the U.S. recently.

They also say, “As a symbol of hope and life, this tiny GMO-free corn field must be replanted to provide continued sanctuary to corn from Chiapas, Mexico.”

They are asking people to join them to replant the field on Sunday, June 27, from 2pm to 4pm at the Zapatista Milpa on Park Avenue near Balboa Park’s World Beat Center in San Diego.

“We want to make this replanting a joyful and celebratory event so bring shovels and musical instruments; bring food and drink to share; bring seeds and poems to swap, but mostly bring your hearts and your friends. If you live nearby, it will be wonderful if you can join us in the flesh. If you are far away – join us in your heart by sending love and hope.

“We hope those who stomped and uprooted the living garden of Mayan corn in Balboa Park can find a way to heal. Specifically we invite them to join us at the replanting celebration on June 27. Everyone who believes the Mayan people of Chiapas have a right to save their GMO-free, heritage corn – those who work in community or school gardens, those who work on organic farms or backyard gardens – please consider a solidarity planting of Zapatista ‘Mother Seeds in Resistance.’ ”

For additional information about the Zapatista resistance to GMO-contamination in the birthplace of corn, click here:

http://www.schoolsforchiapas.org/english/projects/ecological-agricultural-education/mother-seeds-in-resistance-gmo-free-chiapas.html

To obtain Zapatista corn seed for planting in your own garden or to learn more about the “Zapatista Milpa” in San Diego, or for more general information, you can call Libby Navarro at 619-232-2841 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              619-232-2841      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email her: Libby@SchoolsforChiapas.org