Private Project

Seeds of Sovereignty

“Seeds of Sovereignty” is a call to action to preserve Mexico’s biodiversity, food sovereignty, and cultural heritage. It invites viewers to reflect on the implications of GMO practices and the importance of safe and nutritious food for a nation’s citizens.

  • Stuart J Tanner
    Director
    Peace with Nature in Costa Rica, Children of Vengeance, Ghulja Massacre
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Environmental, Political
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico, United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Stuart J Tanner

Stuart Tanner is a highly experienced broadcast journalist, investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker and writer. He has made documentaries for the BBC, Channel Four, Discovery, National Geographic, Frontline PBS and ITV.
His documentaries have been shown worldwide, have won top awards and generated worldwide headlines. He has filmed in over twenty countries worldwide. Stuart Tanner is a highly experienced senior television producer/director of prime-time programs across a range of genres and subject areas. Over the last 18 years he has worked for major UK broadcasters and international broadcasters. He has won awards for his films for the BBC and Channel Four. His main output has been in the area of current affairs and factual program making. He has acquired a range of key skills that include working as a broadcast journalist and filmmaker on high profile documentary series for the BBC.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Seeds of Sovereignty" explores the intense struggle between the United States and Mexico over
Mexico's ban on the cultivation of genetically modified (GMO) corn. This film highlights
Mexico's determined efforts to protect its native corn varieties—a key part of its cultural
heritage—from the threat posed by GMO crops and the widespread use of glyphosate, a
controversial herbicide.
As the birthplace of corn, Mexico is home to diverse native varieties that have been cultivated
over millennia. The introduction of GMO corn into this ecosystem threatens to contaminate these
heirloom varieties through crossbreeding, endangering the country's agricultural biodiversity.
The documentary features interviews with members of Demanda Colectiva Maíz, a group that
fought and won a significant legal victory in 2013, ensuring that GMO corn could not be planted
in Mexico. This was a major step in safeguarding the country's native crops.
Mexico’s decision to ban GMO corn is rooted in concerns over health and environmental safety.
GMO crops typically require specific herbicides and pesticides, which can harm non-target
species, disrupt ecosystems, and pollute water and soil. Additionally, the heavy use of
glyphosate—linked to cancer in humans—raised significant public health concerns, prompting
the country to act to protect its citizens.
Mexico's stance has sparked tensions within international trade agreements, particularly the
USMCA. The U.S. has argued there is no scientific basis for Mexico’s ban and initiated a dispute
panel to challenge the decision.
"Seeds of Sovereignty" delves into the broader implications of GMO crops and glyphosate on
human health, the environment, and farmer livelihoods. It also highlights the ongoing legal
battles against Bayer, as scientific and regulatory debates over glyphosate's safety continue.

In Mexico, corn is not just a crop; it symbolizes the nation’s cultural identity and traditions,
especially through the milpa farming system. The monoculture methods associated with GMO
corn threaten this heritage by undermining the ability to produce safe, high-quality food while
preserving the environment. Research also suggests that these industrial practices have caused
significant harm to both human health and ecosystems in the U.S.
This film is not just a documentary; it’s a call to action. "Seeds of Sovereignty" urges viewers to
consider the impact of industrial farming and the critical importance of protecting biodiversity,
food sovereignty, and cultural heritage for future generations.

Made with the support of the Pax Natura Foundation.

Film Length: 50 Minutes
Producer/Director
Stuart J. Tanner
Director of Photography 
Cody Olivas
Sound
Amine Kouider