We demonstrated previously in this plan that the application of technology has made significant contributions to agriculture, and propelled the U.S into the leadership position in corn production. While this was true 5 years ago, we also demonstrated that the rate of change is accelerating around the world. It was easier to be a follower than a pioneer in many cases, but new developments have changed that also. Biotechnology itself is a breakthrough in science, which might be compared to understanding the atomic structure of matter. Moreover, biotechnology is not a difficult science to apply, with large effect.
Many countries have more than sufficient capability to utilize and apply biotechnology.
There are some who suggest the application of biotechnology may bring more return than the acquisition of nuclear power. At the same time other countries are creating new visions and applying new technology to be more competitive. Food can be imported, if it's affordable. However, generally, national stability is greater when the food supply is secure. Generating genome maps is widely accepted as a valid mechanism to move forward.