The breakthrough in science that permitted genes to be identified and manipulated as molecular ushered in the agricultural technology era, which is now more than a decade old. The new tools of agricultural technology are changing the way scientists can address problems in the life sciences; agriculture is one area facing major changes as a result of this new technology. The unanticipated rapid ratio at which discoveries and their applications in technology have unfolded has stored the capacity of society - more specifically, our agricultural research and educational institutions to absorb and adjust to change. We are challenged by pressing decisions opportunities, and problems that we face now and will continue to face in the future. Competition from abroad impels us to devise and use new technologies that can improve the efficiency and quality of agricultural production.