Genetic engineering in agriculture has become a very controversial topic in recent years, although it is beneficial for both the consumer and the producer. The use of genetic engineering is considered a highly controversial topic due to environmental groups speaking out against the use of genetically modified products in industry as well as the consumer market. Genetic engineering in agriculture has the potential to change the industry on a global scale. Increased production of these genetically modified varieties can be used to solve many of the problems the world is beginning to face today. They can be used to solve our problems related to the growing population of our world in the coming years by helping to feed the world at an economical price while preserving nature through increased yield per acre or per animal. Many varieties developed for use as crops and foods can also be adopted by the biofuel industry to address the world's growing dependence on fossil fuels. The ability to use biotechnology to interbreed diverse life forms has had a profound impact. impact on agriculture around the world. The two main reasons for the use of genetic engineering in plants are the development of herbicide tolerance traits and the production of natural pesticides by plants. One of the first genetically modified crops approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration was the Flavr-Savr tomato in 1994 (Parmalee 47). The Flavr-Savr tomato uses genetic engineering to add a gene that would slow the breakdown of cell walls once picked so they stay firmer for longer on supermarket shelves. Benefits available in the United States..... ...middle of paper......the United States. April 2006: i-30. SIRS Government Reporter. Internet. April 16, 2014. Gottlieb, Scott and Matthew B. Wheeler. "Genetically modified animals and public health | BIO." ORGANIC | Heal, nourish and nourish the world. BIO, July 28, 2011. Web. March 31, 2014. Mather, Robin. “Threats from genetically modified foods.” News from Mother Earth. April/May 2012: 42+. Researcher on SIRS issues. Internet. April 16, 2014. Parmalee, Thomas. Genetic engineering. Edina, Minn.: ABDO, 2008. Print.Prah, Pamela M. “Many States Weigh GMO Labels.” stateline.org. March 17, 2014: np SIRS Issues Researcher. Internet. April 15, 2014.Thro, Ellen. Genetic engineering shaping the material of life. New York: Facts about File Science Sourcebooks, 1993. Print. Van Montagu, Marc. “The irrational fear of genetically modified foods.” The Wall Street Journal. October 23, 2013: A.15. Researcher on SIRS issues. Internet. April 15. 2014.