There is excitement about the potential profit and economic development opportunities from genetic modifications of grain. This excitement is manifested in huge industry consolidations through buyouts, joint ventures, and mergers of chemical, seed and agribusiness companies. State and federal government agencies and private organizations have developed programs to encourage and facilitate the production, handling, processing, and marketing of genetically modified grains. Huge investments are being allocated to research and development of new commodities and specialty grains. A large share of these research and development funds are being invested in modifying com because of the large amount of com produced in the United States and its diversity of uses. About 80 percent of the U.S. corn crop is used in animal feeds domestically and abroad; therefore, genetic modifications of com for animal feed are believed to have major profit and development potential.