Since the introduction and revolution of molecular biology and DNA technology in crop agriculture for the development of new foods, drugs and organisms it has met with a diverse response from countries around the world. There is, however, a growing recognition worldwide that environmentally responsible and sensitive economic development in agriculture is necessary for sustainablility. Through research collaborations between the University of California Riverside and Moldova State University a new molecular biology laboratory opened at Moldova State University in March 2003. One of the first research projects was to study the role of gibberellic acid in inflorescence and flower development of sunflower. RTPCR techniques have demonstrated successful amplification of the orfH522 gene and the identification of cytoplasmic and gibberellic acid induced male sterility in sunflower. The next step in the research will be the cloning of this gene with the goal to explain the mechanism of male sterility and to improve sunflower seed production in Moldova. This new laboratory will also provide training and research for specialists needed for the development of a strong and scientifically sound regulatory program to address the future potential of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) being introduced into the Republic of Moldova. As with all other transition countries, the Republic of Moldova is faced with many agricultural and environmental issues including the introduction and regulation of GMO crops. The neighboring countries of Russia, Bulgaria and Romania have already began to grow GMO crops and surely as Moldova looks to new technologies to improve its major agricultural economy, it will begin to explore the use of GMO crops.