Agricultural practices, however, have long used selective breeding techniques for the same purpose as modern biotechnology.

The geese being sold this year are the product of new breeding techniques.

Meanwhile, scientists are already working on experimental breeding techniques they will use next spring in their effort to save the nearly extinct species.

Having located superior individuals, they can be reproduced more rapidly by modern breeding techniques.

Another method that could help to restore the populations is captive breeding techniques.

The old breeding technique of crossing two plants rarely involves patents.

But studies based on comprehensive national data might call into question today's breeding techniques.

So, while they are using the new breeding techniques, they remain committed to genetic engineering as well.

"What would normally take several years or decades to do through classical breeding techniques can now be done in a year or less," he said.

All the product of artificial breeding techniques, all as different as they could be.