This could reduce the need for insecticides and pesticides, which can be expensive as well as harmful to the environment. Researchers also hope to create new forms of crops that give a bigger harvest or that contain more protein and are therefore more nutritious. Genes that instruct for growth in humans and cows have been inserted into mice, pigs, sheep, and fish. Through these experiments, researchers are trying to figure out how to increase the amount of food that farms and fisheries can produce. Livestock that produce more young.
Researchers hope to develop animals that have bigger litters and birds that lay more eggs.
This would be a way to increase food production. More healthful foods. Coffee plants are being engineered to produce beans low in caffeine. This would be an alternative to using chemicals for making decaffeinated coffee. Beef cattle are being engineered to produce low-fat meat, which would be healthier to eat.