Genetic engineering involves the transfer of genes from one organism to another. A gene is a hereditary unit that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in plants and other organisms. Plant scientists are able to identify and transfer useful genes into plants to bring about desired improvements in plants.

Why use modern plant breeding approaches such as genetic engineering to improve plants?

Plants are the first step in every food chain, therefore, humans and animals are dependent upon plants for their survival. Increases in plant production are needed to meet growing demands for food. Use of modern plant biotechnologies, including gene transfers into crop plants, offers significant advantages over traditional plant breeding in developing improved crops. The tremendous advances made possible through genetically engineering plants are key to achieving crop production gains needed to meet increased world food demands. A stable world food supply preserved through increased crop production is vital to U.S. national interests. Prevention of food shortages in vulnerable developing nations through increased crop production, averts a dangerous destabilizing threat to the governments of those nations. Genetic engineering of plants will also lead to development of more nutritious and better tasting foods. In addition to the advantages offered in food production, plant biotechnology will contribute to development of life-saving new medicines; more efficient production and use of biofuels (addressing the growing U.S. dependence on imported oil); and improved production of fiber for use in clothing and building materials. Plant biotechnology is being used to produce plants capable of hyperaccumulating toxic metals from soil and water, thus contributing to a cleaner environment. In summary, genetic engineering of plants will help America and the world meet human demands for food, energy, medicine, shelter, clothing, and a cleaner environment.

Is it safe to genetically engineer plants?

Both traditional plant breeding and newer genetic transformation biotechnologies change the genetic makeup of plants. Additional oversight and safeguards are applied to engineered plants and foods. Developers of genetically engineered plants and foods take it upon themselves to consult with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to the commercialization of a product. This consultation procedure entails a science-based safety assessment of the product which benefits consumers and developers. The FDA requires developers of foods from modified plants to address whether known allergens have been transferred to the modified product. To guard against producing allergenic proteins in food, developers of genetically engineered food must demonstrate that the new food doesn't contain substantially increased levels of known toxic substances or new hazardous substances. Developers must also show that the nutritional value of the food has not been diminished or compromised. Indeed, some plants are specifically engineered to increase the nutritional content of food. Pesticidal properties of genetically engineered plants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the field trials and large scale production of genetically engineered plants. Both genetically engineered and conventionally bred plants undergo review and approval procedures established by the State Agricultural Experiment Station system. Private companies conduct similar biological and environmental evaluations, frequently in conjunction with public plant breeders. A significant advantage of genetic engineering is that it provides safety and risk information unobtainable with conventionally bred plants, because it allows scientists to answer questions about outcomes specifically related to the genetic modification.