The Role of Biotechnology in Enhancing Food Security: Applications of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture Biotechnology is a vital tool in addressing global challenges such as food shortages, climate change, and population growth. This article aims to highlight the use of genetic engineering in improving agricultural crops and its contribution to enhancing food security. It also discusses the environmental and economic benefits, along with the ethical and legal challenges associated with these technologies. Introduction: The field of biotechnology has witnessed remarkable development in recent decades, particularly in the agricultural sector. Genetic engineering is used to modify the genetic material of organisms to improve their traits, such as resistance to pests and drought, and to increase productivity and nutritional value. Given the growing environmental challenges, reliance on these technologies has become essential for enhancing global food security. ⸻ 1. Applications of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: 1.1. Genetically Modified Crops (GM Crops): Prominent examples include corn, soybeans, and cotton modified to resist insects or herbicides. These modifications have led to reduced pesticide use and increased agricultural yields. 1.2. Gene Editing Technologies (CRISPR-Cas9): CRISPR is one of the latest gene-editing tools, enabling precise modifications to plant genomes. It has been used to improve plant tolerance to heat and salinity, which is crucial in the context of climate change. 2. Environmental and Economic Benefits: • Reduced use of agricultural chemicals. • Improved water and fertilizer use efficiency. • Increased income for farmers and improved economies in developing countries. 3. Challenges and Concerns: 3.1. Biosafety: Some genetically modified crops raise concerns regarding food safety and environmental impacts on biodiversity. 3.2. Ethical and Legal Debates: Disagreements persist regarding the ethics of genetic modification, and laws and regulations vary between countries concerning the use and marketing of genetically modified organisms. Al-Mustaqbal University, the leading university in Iraq.