"RoundUp-Ready" Soybeans and other products?

"RoundUp-Ready" soybeans and other plants are plants that have been genetically engineered to posses resistance to RoundUp: a very powerful herbicide. This is important because it is an example of how Genetically Engineered Organisms (GMOs) can be used to lower production costs, and increase efficiency in farming. RoundUp is used to kill weeds, but kills crops as well. For this reason, farmers have historically had to be very careful with its use and the timing and concentration of sprayings. Now, however, the special soybeans and other plants can be doused in the herbicide, and be absolutely fine while weeds and other plants die. This makes the whole production process much simpler and cheaper overall for the farmer.  This lowered cost is often then passed on the the consumer. Of further importance, this concept can be expanded to other crops: as evidenced by the many herbicide-, pesticide-, and drought-resistant species now in use, among other beneficial modifications. Of course, there are also risks associated with GMOs, as addressed in another post.