The Promise of Agriculture Genomics

Agricultural genomics is an emerging field with the potential to transform agriculture and food production. By applying the principles of genetics and genomics, agricultural scientists are developing new ways to improve crop yields, reduce crop losses due to pests and diseases, and develop new varieties of crops that are better adapted to local conditions. Agricultural genomics is already having an impact on agriculture and food production. For example, in the United States, farmers are using genomic technologies to produce crops that are resistant to herbicides and pests and develop new varieties of corn, soybeans, and other crops that can be grown in drought-prone areas.