The company has overhauled the way it uses genetics to modify crops, largely in response to pressure from Greenpeace and other environmental groups, Mr. Rosa said.

The agency's biggest successes, however, have been in modifying crops to grow in those altered soils.

Farmers from eight countries discuss how genetically modified (GM) crops have improved the economics of their operations.

Genetically Modified (GM) crops today have become a common source for genetic pollution, not only of wild varieties but also of other domesticated varieties derived from relatively natural hybridization.

In the past 40 years, farmers worldwide have genetically modified crops to be more nutritious as well as resistant to insects, diseases and herbicides.

Genetics in Agriculture People have been genetically modifying foods and crops for tens of thousands of years.

Ghosh has covered subjects including the human genome project, cloning, stem cell research and genetically modified (GM) crops.

Selecting or genetically modifying commercial crops with high albedo has been suggested.

The company genetically modifies crops like maize, soy, cotton, canola, sugarcane, sugar beet and potatoes "for a more efficient agriculture".

In 2004 Paraguay had about 1.6 million hectares dedicated to genetically modified (GM) crops.