Significant expansion in the utilization of genetically modified crops has been realized since their introduction in 1996. By the crop year 1999, almost 100 million acres of biotech crops were grown, where soybean, corn, cotton, canola and potato represented 99% of the plantings, although 14 other crops were grown to a lesser but increasing extent (I). In 1999, biotech crops in the U.S. represented an expanding proportion of the total crop acreage: approximately 50% of soybeans, 33% of corn, 55% of cotton and 4% of potatoes had biotech traits - mainly insect protection or herbicide tolerance. Likewise, Canada (55% of canola and 20% of soybeans), China (10% of cotton) and Argentina (greater than 75% of soybeans) were also significant producers of biotech crops. The rapid adoption of biotech crops has been driven by economic and environmental benefits that are highly recognized by farmers, yet remain obscure to the general public where knowledge and information has been low and concerns about safety and consequences may be increasing. More recently, tangible environmental and potential public health benefits are being identified and communicated to consumers. Likewise, biotech crops with nutritional enhancements and direct benefits to consumers have begun to enter the marketplace or are under development.