The South Australian government says its moratorium on genetically modified crops will remain, even though the Bureau of Rural Sciences has found that genetically modified canola crops would make the industry more sustainable.

The bureau says GM crops make pest and weed management easier and are likely to increase crop yields.

Agriculture Minister Rory McEwen says GM crops pose too much of a risk on the green image of industries such as wine. "I think the people of South Australia have said very loud and clearly 'we want to keep the moratorium in place'," he said.

"There are enormous perceived risks in the market place if we start growing GMs, the wine industry in particular, now one of South Australia's most significant export industries, is saying we want a clean and green image."