Powerful and persuasive forces are propelling the agricultural industry toward new dimensions for the 21st century. The drastic changes are due to the emergence of 2 powerful sources: revolutionary scientific developments in bio and information technology and social and politial activism. These 2 areas have exploded on the scene simultaneously. Part 1 in a series of articles journeys out a decade and examines the agricultural industry and how it will impact the financial institutions and agrilenders that will be employed in the industry.