Perhaps Jack's mother was too hasty in her disapproval. In sum, the Alliance's work may whittle waists, stock farmers' coffers, emulsify drinks and fill our stomachs more cheaply. Stacking traits will become more important, where growers sow corn that not only has low phytate, but high oil as well, making it ideal for livestock. Perhaps in a decade, farmers will grow grain with ten or more traits. Pioneer's McConnell envisions plants as compact, sustainable production facilities.
Ethanol is just one example of what is possible.
With DuPont's expertise in polymer chemistry, we may one day harness seeds to produce raw materials for manufacturing plastics. This process could emulate current day biotechnology, where scientists genetically alter cells that then secrete products like insulin. We've got a great chassis. DuPont and Pioneer are the mechanics. And honestly, the options seem endless.