Biotechnology refers to the techniques that allow scientists to modify DNA, the genetic material of living organisms, to enhance their tolerance to pests and diseases, increase yield and improve quality and nutritional value.
Biotechnology can bring many benefits to medicine, the environment and industry.
It also has a wide range of possible applications in food and agriculture. Considering the devastating impact of pests, weeds and disease on yields, the agronomic and economic benefit when plants have built in tolerance is enormous. Increasing a crop's yield enables us to use less land to produce the same amount or more food. This also allows us to preserve other lands such as native forests and delicate ecosystems for the benefit of the environment and wildlife. Without increasing crop yields more and more non-arable land will be brought into production to feed the growing population.