By David Farrier

Some of the world's top scientists are meeting in Rotorua to figure out how to feed future generations in a world with a booming population.

Organisers say the ABIC 2012 conference aims to promote debate about genetic engineering, and they only had to step outside to find people wanting to debate it with them.

It is the 12th International Conference for Agricultural Biotechnology.

The gathering is of some of the best brains in the world when it comes to the art of growing plants. But it's also much bigger than that.

Now we see agriculture branching out, says ABIC Foundation chairman Dr Jerome Konecsni. We're looking at agriculture as a source of energy, as a source of medicines.

The conference comes as the World Bank notes global food prices soaring by 10 percent in July, with the price of maize reaching an all-time high.

It's very important because the task of feeding the world of tomorrow is probably one of the most formidable jobs we have to do, says Dr Clive James, agricultural scientist.

Outside, a protest of around 30 people rallied, unhappy with talk of genetic modification.

All we're wanting in there is for scientists to find a middle path between the control of science and respect that people want GM-free production, says protest organiser Jon Carapiet.

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GM-food conference draws critics

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