Genetically Modified Crops

Global Genetically Modified Crops Market to Reach US$30.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Genetically Modified Crops estimated at US$24.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$30.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Corn, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.1% CAGR and reach US$13.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Soybean segment is estimated at 5.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$6.6 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.9% CAGR

The Genetically Modified Crops market in the U.S. is estimated at US$6.6 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$6.0 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.6% and 2.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.2% CAGR.

Global Genetically Modified Crops Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Genetically Modified Crops a Cornerstone of Modern Agricultural Innovation?

Genetically Modified (GM) crops have emerged as one of the most transformative innovations in modern agriculture, reshaping how food is grown, distributed, and consumed across the globe. By introducing specific genetic traits into plant DNA, scientists have enabled crops to express characteristics such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, drought resilience, and improved nutritional profiles. This biotechnological advancement has significantly enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainability, particularly in regions facing increasing climate stress, population pressure, and limited arable land. GM crops like Bt cotton, Roundup Ready soybeans, and Golden Rice have shown how targeted genetic modifications can reduce pesticide use, improve yields, and address micronutrient deficiencies. These benefits are especially critical in developing nations where food insecurity and farming-related economic challenges persist. Moreover, GM technology allows for the faster development of crops capable of withstanding new pest threats, soil salinity, or erratic rainfall patterns, which are becoming more frequent due to global climate change. As the world population is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, GM crops are seen by many agricultural experts and policymakers as essential tools for achieving food security while minimizing environmental degradation. Despite ongoing debates, the scientific consensus continues to support the safety and efficacy of approved GM crops, positioning them as foundational assets in the global effort to modernize agriculture and ensure a stable, sustainable food supply.

How Are Global Agricultural Practices and Market Demands Driving the Adoption of GM Crops?

The adoption of genetically modified crops is being accelerated by evolving agricultural practices and global market demands that prioritize efficiency, resilience, and economic viability. Farmers in both developed and developing countries are increasingly turning to GM seeds to reduce dependency on chemical inputs, lower labor costs, and achieve more predictable harvests. In countries like the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and India, large-scale cultivation of GM crops such as corn, soybean, cotton, and canola has become standard practice, driven by the need to maximize output in competitive commodity markets. The global livestock industry, which consumes vast quantities of GM corn and soy as feed, further reinforces demand for high-yield, consistent-quality crops. Moreover, consumer markets in certain regions are pushing for crops that are modified to contain healthier oil profiles, longer shelf life, or reduced allergenic potential, driving research into second- and third-generation GM products with direct consumer benefits. In emerging economies, GM crops are being adopted as a means to improve rural livelihoods by reducing crop losses and enhancing profitability for smallholder farmers. Public-private partnerships and government-led biotech initiatives are also playing a role, offering subsidies, training, and infrastructure support to encourage GM seed adoption. Meanwhile, trade dynamics and international supply chains are influencing the flow of GM commodities across borders, with many food processors and exporters favoring GM crops for their supply consistency and price competitiveness. These factors together are reinforcing a global trend toward increased acceptance and reliance on genetically modified crops in commercial agriculture.

What Technological Innovations Are Expanding the Scope and Capabilities of GM Crops?

Rapid advancements in biotechnology, genomics, and precision breeding are expanding the capabilities of genetically modified crops, opening the door to more sophisticated traits and broader agricultural applications. One of the most groundbreaking developments in recent years is the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies, which allow for more precise, efficient, and cost-effective modifications compared to earlier transgenic methods. These tools enable scientists to develop crops that are not only pest- and herbicide-resistant but also tolerant to abiotic stresses like extreme heat, cold, and soil salinity. Innovations in RNA interference (RNAi) are also being used to suppress specific genes in pests or pathogens, offering a new layer of biological control without affecting non-target organisms. Beyond environmental resilience, research is increasingly focused on biofortification—enhancing the nutritional content of crops to address malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies in vulnerable populations. Crops enriched with iron, zinc, folate, and essential amino acids are currently under development and testing. Furthermore, synthetic biology is being leveraged to produce crops that can act as bioreactors for pharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes, and biodegradable plastics. Advances in data analytics, machine learning, and molecular phenotyping are enabling faster trait discovery, performance prediction, and genotype-environment interaction analysis. These innovations are not only improving the effectiveness and safety of GM crops but are also accelerating their development timeline, allowing for rapid responses to emerging agricultural challenges such as evolving pathogens, climate variability, and shifting consumer needs.

What Market Forces and Policy Dynamics Are Shaping the Global Expansion of GM Crops?

The global expansion of genetically modified crops is being shaped by a complex interplay of market forces, regulatory frameworks, public perception, and geopolitical considerations. One of the strongest market drivers is the need for increased agricultural productivity to meet growing food and feed demands in the face of land constraints and climate stress. Countries with large-scale commercial farming operations, such as the U.S., Brazil, and Canada, continue to lead in GM crop adoption due to favorable regulatory environments and well-developed biotech sectors. In contrast, regulatory uncertainty and consumer resistance in regions like the European Union have slowed adoption, although recent food security challenges are prompting a reevaluation of existing policies. Emerging markets in Asia and Africa are showing increasing openness, with countries like the Philippines, Nigeria, and Bangladesh approving GM crops for both import and cultivation in recent years. Intellectual property rights, seed access, and trade policies also play a critical role in shaping GM crop markets, as patent holders often partner with local seed companies to adapt products for regional use. The growing recognition of biotechnology’s role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is prompting multilateral organizations to support biotech capacity-building initiatives in developing countries. However, public opinion remains a variable factor, influenced by misinformation, ethical concerns, and advocacy efforts on both sides of the debate. As scientific literacy improves and transparent communication from regulatory agencies and biotech firms increases, the acceptance of GM crops is likely to continue expanding—especially as newer generations of GMOs focus on nutritional and environmental benefits that align with broader societal values and global sustainability goals.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Genetically Modified Crops market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Crop Type (Corn, Soybean, Cotton, Other Crop Types); Trait Type (Herbicide Tolerance, Insect Resistance, Stacked Traits); Application (Food & Feed, Biofuels, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured) -

• BASF SE
• Bayer AG (includes Monsanto)
• Beijing DaBeiNong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
• Calyxt Inc.
• Corteva Agriscience
• Dow AgroSciences LLC
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Groupe Limagrain
• JK Agri Genetics Ltd.
• JR Simplot Company
• Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco)
• Nidera Sementes S.A.
• Nuseed Pty Ltd.
• Origin Agritech Limited
• Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel BV
• Sakata Seed Corporation
• Sensako
• Stine Seed Company
• Syngenta AG
• Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co., Ltd.

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