Imagine, if you will, the creation of new improved foods that taste better and are healthier for you. Plants can be genetically modified so that they contain more vitamins and nutrients. There are may examples of this already in the market place and many more in development. "In fact about 60 percent of processed foods already contain some genetically improved component." (Kerr, Philip S., Lin Yan) DuPont was the first company to market frying oil (soybean) without trans-fatty acids. Other foods that have been made include corn with increased starch levels, amino acid enhanced corn for animal feed and beta-carotene producing rice. The use of genetically altered crops can help reduce the pollution due to the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides. These plants will deter insects and resist fungus with the minimum use of chemicals. This in turn means that less of these chemicals will make it into our drinking water, lakes, rivers and streams. By using these plants we will also lessen the chance of other animals being harmed. The insecticides and pesticides that are used can affect many populations of animals. Along with this new technology comes the risk of un-foreseen side effects. One can never tell if tampering with and altering an organisms DNA, will cause an unaccepted change in the environment. It is only natural that altering genetic patterns that have developed over millions of years, and greatly increasing the likelihood of unanticipated side effects. This is why the testing is done, and with the help of government regulations this testing process could be improved and perfected.
Genetically engineered crops will also have a great effect on the both the farming industry and the economy as a whole. Using genetic engineering will increase productivity while decreasing the cost of production. This spells profits for the producers and cheap prices for the consumer. Certain crops can be genetically altered so that they have an insecticide or pesticide already built into them.
