A genetically modified (GM) food crop means a food crop that consists of or includes plants that:

• are genetically modified organisms; or
• are derived or produced from genetically modified organisms; or
• have inherited from other plants particular traits that occurred in those other plants because of gene technology.

The benefits of genetically modified food crops include being able to breed disease resistant crops and herbicide tolerant strains. Genetically modified crops can also be made to include vitamins that may be lacking in some staple varieties.

Legislation is in place to ensure that any potential hazards from the use of genetically modified organisms and the risks they present to human health or the environment are assessed. It is only after scientific evaluation and a judgement as to whether any risk can be eliminated, minimised or managed to an acceptable level that cultivation of a particular crop might be permitted.

South Australia (as with other states and territories) allows the conduct of approved experimental trials of GM crops, providing certain requirements are satisfied.  

PIRSA Compliance Officers are authorised to monitor compliance with the conditions of approval.

The use of GM products in food for human consumption is regulated by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Standard 1.5.2 Food Produced Using Gene Technology