In 2013,the US led production of biotech crops globally with 70.1 million hectares which amounts to about 40% of total global acreage (175 million hectares),with an average adoption rate of approximately 90% across its principal biotech crops.The vast majority of biotech products approved to date in the US are in the area of agronomic traits,most specifically biotic stress management.The principal focus in the immediate future will remain on agronomic traits especially the area of pest control but with an increasing interest in abiotic stress tolerance which is gaining prominence as external pressures from climate change to land use change.Agricultural biotechnology already has helped farmers around the world boost their productivity and grow crops in more ecologically healthy fields while allowing much more efficient use of resources.This technology allows reduced tillage,which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions,water runoff,soil erosion and fuel consumption.Improved pest control increases yields on existing acreage and reduces the pressure to convert forests and wildlands into farmland.In addition to environmental benefits the potential for improved nutrition,reduced postharvest losses and increased food safety may remain unfulfilled if barriers such as disproportionate and non-risk-based regulatory regimens; effective disinformation campaigns and lack of resources prevail.