" [source 3] Genetic engineering research has only been around since 1973 when it was first discovered that genetic material could be identified and inserted into strands of DNA. Since then, the process has become much more advanced and widely used .
There are many arguments in favor of the use of genetic engineering in the future. Among these are the promises that genetic engineering will 'feed the world' [source 2], produce better crops, and be altogether good for the economy. Many different organisms are being used in today's genetic engineering research and development, including plants, trees, animals, insects, bacteria and viruses. Today, even human genes are being used in genetic engineering [source 2]. The number of organisms used in genetic engineering research is steadily increasing, as is the number of types of animals being used in the research. Genetically engineered organisms are being used in many different aspects of society today, including agriculture, biomedical research, and animal farming.
In the agricultural sector, plants and crops are engineered to express a resistance to herbicides and specific pests. Scientists promise that genetically modified plants will have better texture, more flavor, and higher nutritional value than wild varieties of the same crops [source 2]. There are also plants engineered to last longer on the shelf, appear fresher for longer, and survive the shipping process in better condition. Better crop yields may be achieved using genetically modified plants, meaning that land use will become more efficient. Also in the agricultural sector, research is being conducted to modify certain insects to attack the predators of specific crops [source 1]. Therefore, fewer amounts of pesticides will have to be applied to the crops, allowing for better environmental and human health [source 4]. Farm animals are modified to increase productivity and reduce costs for farmers.
