MODERN PROSPECTS, ASSESSMENT OF THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF USING GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS IN THE USA AND IN THE WORLD

Genetic transformation has become an important tool for modifying valuable plants by incorporating new genes with desired traits. These strategies are particularly useful for agricultural crops to improve yield, disease resistance, tolerance to environmental stress (cold, heat, drought, salinity, herbicides and insects), and to increase plant biomass and medicinal value. The production of genetically modified (GM) resistant varieties with desired traits and high yields contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. The introduction of GM foods to the market has increased potential risks. Proper assessment of their environmental impact and biosafety control are necessary. The article presents a discussion of the risks and benefits of genetically modified plants and products. The most pressing issues are the assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in terms of their potential negative effects to human health, environmental impact, transfer of genetic information and impact on biodiversity, regulatory standards for biosafety control of GMOs and GM foods. The willingness to apply and use genetically modified products and the adoption of biosafety regulations are very challenging issues worldwide, but differ from country to country. The use of genetic transformation opens up great opportunities for new plant species, but additional research with risk assessment is required.