Mexicans protest against genetically modified corn

A theatrical protest in Mexico City against genetically modified corn.

Scores of people took to the streets of the capital Saturday - including this man, dressed as an arch-capitalist.

They are denouncing a government decision allowing multi-national companies to grow genetically altered maize.

Protesters say this will drive the country's small corn producers into bankruptcy and imperil Mexico's native varities of corn.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER, DIANA IVONNE GOMEZ, SAYING:

"The problem with transgenic corn, like with other transgenic crops, is that there've not been enough studies into on the damage that it does to the human body and the environment."

Mexico, believed by some to be birthplace of corn, has long been hesitiant to allow genetically modified crops.

Critics say that's caused its production to fall behind other agricultural powerhouses, like the United States.