Boise, Idaho -- Potatoes and sweet corn are two of few genetically altered produce crops on the market today. But John Sorenson sees vast changes ahead.

Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Novartis Seeds inc., Vegetables and Flowers, Boise, guesses biotechnology will apply to at least half of all major U.S. vegetable production within the next decade.

"In 20 years, I would not be surprised if it's approaching 100 percent," he said.

Sorenson also foresees the possibility of Roundup Ready tomatoes and other vegetables in the near future. Roundup Ready soybeans and corn, which are genetically engineered for resistance to Roundup herbicide, already make up 10 percent to 30 percent of their respective U.S. production.

Last Updated on 2/1/99
By Karen Lutz
Email: karen@hillnet.com