While the term genetically modified organisms has arisen within the past decade, humans have for centuries been using microorganisms to make products like beer and cheese, and plants and animals have been carefully bred to improve the quality and quantity of the food supply. The elucidation of the structure of DNA and the development of the discipline of molecular biology has made possible the accurate insertion or removal specific genes into or out of the DNA of particular organisms. This enables the design organisms with specific desirable characteristics and the ability to understand which genes control the growth, reproduction, and aging and disease susceptibility of plants and animals.

The use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture has expanded at a rapid rate in key agricultural exporting countries in the past decade. Countries where transgenic crops are in advanced stages of...