Agriculture is actually facing major issues such as climate change, overpopulation, decreasing soil fertility, droughts and pests. There is therefore a need for new plants that tolerate novel stresses and contain higher minerals and vitamins. Wani et al. review the advantages and potential applications of plants modifed in their plastid genome, as an alternative to common genetically modified plants, that are plants modified in their nuclear genome. Biosafety issues and public concerns are discussed.