The objective of this paper is to outline the current use of herbicide-resi
stant soybean and corn in the United States and describe the ramifications
of utilizing these crops derived from biotechnology. The popular press and
news articles detail the positions of consumers, environmental advocates, a
nd the agriculture industry. Recent concerns expressed by consumers through
out the world have affected how herbicide-resistant crops are viewed and th
us potentially the adoption of the technology. The paper will focus on the
benefits and risks of using herbicide-resistant soybean and corn, specifica
lly constructs that confer resistance to glyphosate. Glufosinate-resistant
crops will also be discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res
erved.