In 2004, 8.25 million farmers, in 17 countries, planted 81 million hectares of GM crops - a 20% increase in the area compared to 2003. Significant improvements in the livelihoods of small scale farmers are being reported from China and South Africa. Yet, after a decade of commercial cultivation, political and social support for GM crops remains low in Europe. In the polarised argument between pressure groups with their own political/economic agendas and the biotech companies driven by the profit motive, what is the answer? Do we now have the solution to problems in agriculture or are we opening Pandora's box?

Come and discuss these and other issues linked to the GM debate with Dr Ray Mathias.