Regarding the rice breeding/nutrition debate, I would like to share my understanding of how the
introduction of hybrid corn has worked in the Peten region of Guatemala. Hybrid species of
corn, which are higher yielding have been introduced without an understanding of local
circumstances. The local varieties of corn yielded less, but could last many, many months
without pest problems. This meant families could keep corn for themselves throughout the year
and sell excess corn during times when prices were high. This was especially important since
many farmers are fairly isolated. The hybrid corns require higher inputs (expensive) and can be
kept only a short time without pests destroy the stored harvest. Therefore, the hybrid corn
must be sold very quickly, when there is a glut in the market. This is particularly a problem
for rural farmers without easy access to markets. While these problems are now recognized, it
is virtually impossible to find the traditional varieties which stored so beautifully, due to
cross-pollination with the introduced hybrids. Despite the probable good intentions of
breeders, their work has proved to be a catastrophe for farmers of the Peten.
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