题目选项分析

Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the plants require more fertilizer and water togrow well than normal ones do, and the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

【选项】The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is a part of the evidence presented as support for the argument's conclusion.