Plant and soil scientists have been told that increasing crop yields is the key to keeping the growing world population fed.
Some 500 scientists are in Christchurch for a combined agronomy and grasslands conference.
New Zealand maize scientist Dr Greg Edmeades told the conference that meeting the world's food needs by 2050 is possible, provided all the available crop improvement technologies are used, including genetic modification of plants.
He said there would also have to be a huge lift in agricultural research investment of 50 -100%.
