Crop Improvement - Crops are being genetically enhanced to be able to withstand cold temperatures as well as thrive as drought tolerant and salinity tolerant plants.
Some genetically modified foods contain genes to give them the ability to be pest resistant.
Genetically modified crops are becoming more herbicide tolerant, reducing crops lost and increasing removal of weeds.
There is a huge focus on GM plants being engineered to contain additional vitamins and minerals.
Production of plants have been improved as well because plants are being modified to have slower maturation time for shipping, stronger to prevent bruising, more intense flavours and larger in size.
Animals
Livestock have been given the ability to be more resistant to viruses and are becoming healthier.
Greater yields of meats, eggs and milk production.
Environment
Plants are more friendly for the environment due to plants being herbicide tolerant and pesticide tolerant. Eliminates toxic runoff from sprays.
Better natural waste management is the result of the reduce of sprays.
More efficient processing
Society
Improved vitamin fortified and climate tolerant crops can help impoverished farmers in 3rd world countries grow more crops and helps to reduce the malnutrition among the population.
Negative Effects of GMO's
Safety - It is currently unknown as to all the effects that GM foods will have on humans, but there is concern about certain genes being crossed creating a new allergen putting susceptible individuals at risk. Environmental Impacts
There are a lot of potential environmental impacts.
Unintended transfer of GM plant genes can occur through cross-pollination
A reduction in biodiversity of crops/ plants
An unknown effect on species, such as insects. Insect population may decrease from pesticide resistant crops or there is concern that insects will become resistant to the GM plants.
Property
Lawsuits have occurred due to big agribusiness companies patenting there GM seeds. Unknown if people are stealing seeds or occurred from cross-pollination.
Increasing dependence on industrialized nations by developing countries due to the fact that they can't afford the patented seeds.
Ethics
Violation of natural orgnaisms intrinsic makeup as well as tampering with nature.
Public concern for consuming animal genes in plants and vice versa.
Labelling - It is not mandatory in Canada or the US to label products saying that they contain GM organisms. This makes it near impossible to not consume them on a daily basis. - Mixing GM crops with non-GM products confounds labeling attempts Society - New advances may by skewed to interests of rich countries