What are the potential benefits of GM plants?
At present, the potential benefits of GM plants are significant in the developed world. Benefits are: – Higher crop yields – Reduced farm costs – Increased farm profit – Improvement in the environment These “first generation” crops have proven their ability to lower farm level production costs. Now, some biotech companies focus research on second generation transgenic crops that will feature increased nutritional and/or industrial traits. These varieties should prove valuable in countries where millions of people suffer from dietary deficiencies. Examples of these crops include: – Rice enriched with iron and vitamin A, – Potatoes with higher starch content, – Edible vaccines in maize and potatoes, – Maize varieties able to grow in poor conditions, – Healthier oils from soybean and canola.
