It is now more than a decade since virtually all GM foods were banned from British supermarkets.

As we move into the 2010s we are becoming more aware of rapidly increasing populations, especially in developing countries, and the immense uncertainties of climate change.

These factors are already affecting the security of global food supplies and the crisis is likely to become more acute in the next few decades.

In this debate, an international expert on crop biotechnology from the University of Glamorgan will discuss the pros and cons of GM crops with two postgraduate researchers with interests in environment and conservation.

The debate will then be opened up for a wider audience discussion and will finish with a vote on the motion: What are GM foods - monster or marvel?

Is it now time to reconsider the initial opposition to GM foods? GM technology has moved on and scientists are continually developing new types of GM crops that are higher yielding and more nutritious.

Also, many of the new GM crops are targeted to developing countries where food security is a major issue. It has even been stated that GM crops are essential to tackling the emerging crisis in global food production.

On the other hand, do we really need GM technology? Can plant breeders use other methods to improve their crops?

Have the scientists truly answered the concerns of anti-GM campaigners about food safety or the escape of GM plants into the environment? Isn’t GM really just about maximising corporate profits and industrialised agriculture, to benefit a few multinationals companies and big farmers?

So, are GM foods a marvel or Frankenstein’s monster? Maybe they’re neither, or perhaps a bit of both? Join the discussion at the National Waterfront Museum.