For hundreds of years, mankind has sought improvements that result in higher yields or protection against predators. Indeed, many of the agricultural plants we farm today bear little similarity to the native, wild species from which they were developed. Plant breeders whose techniques involve crossing thousands of genes frequently encounter situations where desirable traits often are accompanied by undesirable ones. It is only with the advent of biotechnology that we are now able to develop new varieties of plants with prediction and precision unheard of a generation ago. This groundbreaking research set the stage for further studies aimed at deciphering the genetic code, research that continues today in the Human and Plant Genome Projects.
Agricultural biotechnology is already a thriving industry.
Consumers already benefit from biotechnology through new pharmaceuticals and medicines. Insulin, which once had to be extracted and purified from pigs, now is made by bacteria genetically programmed to produce it. In agricultural biotechnology, consumers will see the benefits of lower costs, a cleaner environment, and enhanced foods with improved nutrition and taste. But this technology, which holds so much promise for so many, is in danger of dying on the vine before its full potential is realized. Campaigns of fear and intimidation by protectionists and activist groups would deny the benefits of these powerful new tools to producers and consumers alike.