Herbicide resistance is defined as "the inherited ability of a plant to survive a dosage of a herbicide to which the wild population is sensitive". Weeds that are resistant to specific herbicides have become dominant members of field populations in many locations throughout the world. These resistant populations have caused growers considerable economic loss and long term management considerations. Plant geneticists have recently introduced crops that have been developed specifically for enhanced tolerance or resistance to herbicides that typically cause serious injury to the hybrids or varieties. These events, the development of herbicide resistant weed populations and the release of herbicide resistant crops, likely will cause considerable change in how growers manage weeds. The issues surrounding herbicide resistance will have considerable impact on agriculture in the 1990's. This paper will provide background information concerning these issues and suggest strategies that will lessen the likelihood of serious environmental and economic impact resulting from herbicide resistance.