Historically, farmers and ranchers have looked to USDA and their universities to develop the “next big thing” in plant and animal breeding, but exciting new players are emerging.

Americans are easily riled about genetically modifying crops, even though they know little about the science. So, what about consumer understanding of a new and much different approach to precision breeding called gene editing?

Those who see gene editing as a key component of agriculture’s future want to make sure that the regulations written for it do not stifle its promise.

To pig farmer Thomas Titus, new scientific techniques could bring better disease resistance for his herd, saving baby pigs and potentially millions of dollars for the pork industry.

Most Americans have never experienced a famine or even chronic food shortages. We've grown accustomed to finding at least some types of food almost everywhere we look – the grocery store, the gas station, the food truck, the corner stores and of course, online.

Animal and plant breeders are trying out a set of powerful new tools which have the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and provide consumers with more healthy and safe food options.

The process of producing food, protecting the environment, and improving animal health is advancing at a seemingly breakneck pace.

BERKELEY, CA, Aug. 17, 2017 – About 500 people gathered this week at the University of California Berkeley to assess the rapid adoption of gene editing techniques that appear to hold immeasurable promise for human, animal and plant health and growth.