Beyond medicine, rDNA technology has revolutionized global agriculture through the creation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). By inserting specific genes into plant genomes, scientists can confer traits that are not achievable through traditional breeding. The most prevalent applications include Herbicide Tolerance (allowing crops to survive weed-killing sprays) and Insect Resistance (utilizing the Bt gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to produce a natural protein toxic to specific pests).

A significant breakthrough in this field is "Biofortification," where rDNA is used to increase the nutritional value of staple crops. A primary example is Golden Rice, engineered to produce beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A) to combat deficiency-related blindness in developing nations. For an analysis of the regulatory approvals and adoption rates of these transgenic seeds, the Recombinant DNA Technology Market resource provides data on the "Seeds and Crops" segment. Future efforts are focusing on "Climate-Resilient Crops" engineered for drought tolerance and nitrogen-fixation efficiency, which could drastically reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.