A few bacteria can use nitrogen from the atmosphere, but plants cannot. The successful transfer pf the genes responsible for nitrogen fixation from Klebsiella to Escherichia raised the possibility of using gene manipulation to create nitrogen-fixing crops. Ecological factors affect the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and reduce the energy devoted to produce ammonia. Introduction of hup genes into deficient Rhizobium would create superior strains, and the potential for environmental damage is minimum. To reduce the isolation of scientists working in Biological Nitrogen Fixation, the Caribbean Rhizobium Group (CRG) was established in 1984. Similar networks, supported by UNESCO (MIRCEN's) already exist. The initiation of BNFNET, a computer linkage conference, should facilitate the exchange of information and resources in the region.