Seed Market Size

The seed market is projected to experience significant growth, with hybrid seeds playing a dominant role due to their advantages such as higher productivity and adaptability. The market's expansion is driven by advancements in plant breeding techniques and the increasing demand for high-yield, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant varieties. North America and Asia-Pacific are key regions, with substantial market shares, while Europe and Africa also contribute significantly through specific crop segments. South America is expected to see a notable increase in hybrid seed adoption, and the Middle East's market growth is anticipated to be moderate due to lower hybrid seed usage.

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Market Size of seed Industry

Seed Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 73 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 99.94 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Breeding Technology Hybrids
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 5.38 %
svg icon Largest Share by Region North America

Major Players

Seed Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Seed Market Analysis

The Seed Market size is estimated at 73 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 99.94 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.38% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

73 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

99.94 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

5.42 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

5.38 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Crop Family

56.45 %

value share, Grains & Cereals, 2023

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Factors such as high profit for growers, high consumption value as food, and the increase in demand from the lubricants industry for biofuel production make this the largest segment.

Largest Market by Country

25.49 %

value share, United States, 2023

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It is a leading producer of high-value crops such as corn, soybean, and cucumber. The adoption of biotech crops and hybrid seeds is the highest in the country.

Fastest-growing Market by Crop Family

6.01 %

Projected CAGR, Oilseeds, 2024-2030

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The rapid growth of the oilseeds segment is driven by the increasing area under GM oilseed crops and increasing demand for soybeans from the food and feed industries.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

8.37 %

Projected CAGR, Russia, 2024-2030

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Russia is the largest country in the region with a vast agricultural growing area and has implemented high usage of commercial seeds, leading to rapid growth.

Leading Market Player

17.05 %

market share, Bayer AG, 2022

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Bayer AG is the leader in the global seed market due to its product innovations, investments in research and development, and partnerships with regional players.

Hybrids dominate the market due to high yield, pest resistance, and other improved traits

  • In 2022, hybrids dominated open-pollinated varieties, which accounted for a 73.0% share of the global seed market. Hybrid seeds witnessed high growth, mainly from major agriculture-producing countries, because of their various benefits, including higher productivity, wider adaptability, and a high degree of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. For instance, hybrids give 50% more yield in cotton than conventional varieties. Their wider adaptability is mainly due to their high buffering capacity to environmental fluctuations.​
  • In 2022, non-transgenic hybrid seeds accounted for 58.4% share of the global hybrid seed market, valued at USD 28.16 billion. The market increased by 20.2% between 2017 and 2022. The increase was mainly attributed to the need for higher yield, rising demand for organic products, and growing per capita consumption.
  • New plant breeding techniques are allowing the development of new plant varieties with desired traits by modifying the DNA of the seeds and plant cells. Companies are heavily investing in new plant technologies due to the increasing demand for advanced and improved varieties that are adaptable to different climatic conditions, have high yield potential, are resistant to diseases, and are drought tolerant.
  • In 2022, among transgenic hybrids, herbicide-tolerant crops held a higher share in the global seed market in terms of value, mainly because weeds were the major problem in crop cultivation and could cause a reduction of 20 to 25% in crop yield.
  • Adopting improved open-pollinated varieties has many benefits, such as high yield, being well adapted to the local environment, and allowing crops to grow stronger. Due to the increase in demand, the share value of OPV increased by 9.2% in 2022 from the previous year.
Global Seed Market

North America has the largest seed market globally due to the higher adoption of hybrids, including transgenics

  • North America is one of the largest agricultural regions in terms of production, which held the major share of 34.5% in the global seed market due to the rising area under major crops and the increase in seed replacement rate. For instance, the area harvested under cereals increased to 82.7 million hectares in 2022 from 79.2 million hectares in 2017.
  • Asia-Pacific has one of the world's leading seed markets. Among Asia-Pacific countries, China was the largest seed market, with corn contributing a major share and accounting for 50.8% of China's seed market in 2022. This was mainly because of the adoption of biotech crops.
  • Europe is one of the major producers of forages, with a market share of 26.7% in the global forage seed market in 2022. Major driving factors of the forage seed market include growing demand for feed products and shrinking land for grazing animals.
  • In Africa, row crops held the largest share, accounting for 78.0% in 2022. The main reason for holding the major share of row crops is the increasing consumption with an increasing acreage under cultivation.
  • From 2023-2030, South America's hybrid adoption rate is expected to exceed that of open-pollinated seed varieties due to a 10-15% increase in yield, good quality, and better return on investment. Therefore, hybrid seed adoption is expected to increase during the forecast period.
  • The seed market in the Middle East is expected to grow moderately during the forecast period because of the lower usage of hybrid seeds in the Middle East. Growers are not interested in using transgenic seeds; hence, to meet domestic demand, they must import about 30-50% of crops from other countries.

Seed Industry Segmentation

Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology. Open Field, Protected Cultivation are covered as segments by Cultivation Mechanism. Row Crops, Vegetables are covered as segments by Crop Type. Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America are covered as segments by Region.

  • In 2022, hybrids dominated open-pollinated varieties, which accounted for a 73.0% share of the global seed market. Hybrid seeds witnessed high growth, mainly from major agriculture-producing countries, because of their various benefits, including higher productivity, wider adaptability, and a high degree of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. For instance, hybrids give 50% more yield in cotton than conventional varieties. Their wider adaptability is mainly due to their high buffering capacity to environmental fluctuations.​
  • In 2022, non-transgenic hybrid seeds accounted for 58.4% share of the global hybrid seed market, valued at USD 28.16 billion. The market increased by 20.2% between 2017 and 2022. The increase was mainly attributed to the need for higher yield, rising demand for organic products, and growing per capita consumption.
  • New plant breeding techniques are allowing the development of new plant varieties with desired traits by modifying the DNA of the seeds and plant cells. Companies are heavily investing in new plant technologies due to the increasing demand for advanced and improved varieties that are adaptable to different climatic conditions, have high yield potential, are resistant to diseases, and are drought tolerant.
  • In 2022, among transgenic hybrids, herbicide-tolerant crops held a higher share in the global seed market in terms of value, mainly because weeds were the major problem in crop cultivation and could cause a reduction of 20 to 25% in crop yield.
  • Adopting improved open-pollinated varieties has many benefits, such as high yield, being well adapted to the local environment, and allowing crops to grow stronger. Due to the increase in demand, the share value of OPV increased by 9.2% in 2022 from the previous year.
Breeding Technology
Hybrids
Non-Transgenic Hybrids
Transgenic Hybrids
Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids
Insect Resistant Hybrids
Other Traits
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
Cultivation Mechanism
Open Field
Protected Cultivation
Crop Type
Row Crops
Fiber Crops
Cotton
Other Fiber Crops
Forage Crops
Alfalfa
Forage Corn
Forage Sorghum
Other Forage Crops
Grains & Cereals
Corn
Rice
Sorghum
Wheat
Other Grains & Cereals
Oilseeds
Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard
Soybean
Sunflower
Other Oilseeds
Pulses
Vegetables
Brassicas
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower & Broccoli
Other Brassicas
Cucurbits
Cucumber & Gherkin
Pumpkin & Squash
Other Cucurbits
Roots & Bulbs
Garlic
Onion
Potato
Other Roots & Bulbs
Solanaceae
Chilli
Eggplant
Tomato
Other Solanaceae
Unclassified Vegetables
Asparagus
Lettuce
Okra
Peas
Spinach
Other Unclassified Vegetables
Region
Africa
By Breeding Technology
By Cultivation Mechanism
By Crop
By Country
Egypt
Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Nigeria
South Africa
Tanzania
Rest of Africa
Asia-Pacific
By Breeding Technology
By Cultivation Mechanism
By Crop
By Country
Australia
Bangladesh
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Myanmar
Pakistan
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Europe
By Breeding Technology
By Cultivation Mechanism
By Crop
By Country
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Russia
Spain
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
Middle East
By Breeding Technology
By Cultivation Mechanism
By Crop
By Country
Iran
Saudi Arabia
Rest of Middle East
North America
By Breeding Technology
By Cultivation Mechanism
By Crop
By Country
Canada
Mexico
United States
Rest of North America
South America
By Breeding Technology
By Cultivation Mechanism
By Crop
By Country
Argentina
Brazil
Rest of South America
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Seed Market Size Summary

The seed market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for hybrid seeds, which dominate the market due to their higher productivity and adaptability. Hybrid seeds, particularly non-transgenic varieties, are gaining traction as they offer substantial benefits such as increased yield and resistance to environmental stresses. The adoption of new plant breeding techniques is further propelling the market, allowing for the development of seed varieties with desirable traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance. This innovation is crucial as it meets the rising demand for advanced seed varieties that can thrive in diverse climatic conditions. The market is also witnessing a shift towards improved open-pollinated varieties, which are valued for their local adaptability and strength.

Regionally, North America and Asia-Pacific are leading the seed market, with North America holding a significant share due to its extensive agricultural production and high seed replacement rates. Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is notable for its large seed market, driven by the adoption of biotech crops. Europe and Africa also contribute to the market, with Europe focusing on forage seeds and Africa seeing a rise in row crop cultivation. The Middle East shows moderate growth, with a reliance on imported seeds to meet domestic demand. The market is moderately consolidated, with major players like BASF, Bayer, Corteva, Groupe Limagrain, and Syngenta leading the industry. These companies are actively introducing new seed varieties to cater to the evolving agricultural needs, ensuring the market's continued expansion.

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Seed Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Breeding Technology

      1. 1.1.1 Hybrids

        1. 1.1.1.1 Non-Transgenic Hybrids

        2. 1.1.1.2 Transgenic Hybrids

          1. 1.1.1.2.1 Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids

          2. 1.1.1.2.2 Insect Resistant Hybrids

          3. 1.1.1.2.3 Other Traits

      2. 1.1.2 Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives

    2. 1.2 Cultivation Mechanism

      1. 1.2.1 Open Field

      2. 1.2.2 Protected Cultivation

    3. 1.3 Crop Type

      1. 1.3.1 Row Crops

        1. 1.3.1.1 Fiber Crops

          1. 1.3.1.1.1 Cotton

          2. 1.3.1.1.2 Other Fiber Crops

        2. 1.3.1.2 Forage Crops

          1. 1.3.1.2.1 Alfalfa

          2. 1.3.1.2.2 Forage Corn

          3. 1.3.1.2.3 Forage Sorghum

          4. 1.3.1.2.4 Other Forage Crops

        3. 1.3.1.3 Grains & Cereals

          1. 1.3.1.3.1 Corn

          2. 1.3.1.3.2 Rice

          3. 1.3.1.3.3 Sorghum

          4. 1.3.1.3.4 Wheat

          5. 1.3.1.3.5 Other Grains & Cereals

        4. 1.3.1.4 Oilseeds

          1. 1.3.1.4.1 Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard

          2. 1.3.1.4.2 Soybean

          3. 1.3.1.4.3 Sunflower

          4. 1.3.1.4.4 Other Oilseeds

        5. 1.3.1.5 Pulses

      2. 1.3.2 Vegetables

        1. 1.3.2.1 Brassicas

          1. 1.3.2.1.1 Cabbage

          2. 1.3.2.1.2 Carrot

          3. 1.3.2.1.3 Cauliflower & Broccoli

          4. 1.3.2.1.4 Other Brassicas

        2. 1.3.2.2 Cucurbits

          1. 1.3.2.2.1 Cucumber & Gherkin

          2. 1.3.2.2.2 Pumpkin & Squash

          3. 1.3.2.2.3 Other Cucurbits

        3. 1.3.2.3 Roots & Bulbs

          1. 1.3.2.3.1 Garlic

          2. 1.3.2.3.2 Onion

          3. 1.3.2.3.3 Potato

          4. 1.3.2.3.4 Other Roots & Bulbs

        4. 1.3.2.4 Solanaceae

          1. 1.3.2.4.1 Chilli

          2. 1.3.2.4.2 Eggplant

          3. 1.3.2.4.3 Tomato

          4. 1.3.2.4.4 Other Solanaceae

        5. 1.3.2.5 Unclassified Vegetables

          1. 1.3.2.5.1 Asparagus

          2. 1.3.2.5.2 Lettuce

          3. 1.3.2.5.3 Okra

          4. 1.3.2.5.4 Peas

          5. 1.3.2.5.5 Spinach

          6. 1.3.2.5.6 Other Unclassified Vegetables

    4. 1.4 Region

      1. 1.4.1 Africa

        1. 1.4.1.1 By Breeding Technology

        2. 1.4.1.2 By Cultivation Mechanism

        3. 1.4.1.3 By Crop

        4. 1.4.1.4 By Country

          1. 1.4.1.4.1 Egypt

          2. 1.4.1.4.2 Ethiopia

          3. 1.4.1.4.3 Ghana

          4. 1.4.1.4.4 Kenya

          5. 1.4.1.4.5 Nigeria

          6. 1.4.1.4.6 South Africa

          7. 1.4.1.4.7 Tanzania

          8. 1.4.1.4.8 Rest of Africa

      2. 1.4.2 Asia-Pacific

        1. 1.4.2.1 By Breeding Technology

        2. 1.4.2.2 By Cultivation Mechanism

        3. 1.4.2.3 By Crop

        4. 1.4.2.4 By Country

          1. 1.4.2.4.1 Australia

          2. 1.4.2.4.2 Bangladesh

          3. 1.4.2.4.3 China

          4. 1.4.2.4.4 India

          5. 1.4.2.4.5 Indonesia

          6. 1.4.2.4.6 Japan

          7. 1.4.2.4.7 Myanmar

          8. 1.4.2.4.8 Pakistan

          9. 1.4.2.4.9 Philippines

          10. 1.4.2.4.10 Thailand

          11. 1.4.2.4.11 Vietnam

          12. 1.4.2.4.12 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      3. 1.4.3 Europe

        1. 1.4.3.1 By Breeding Technology

        2. 1.4.3.2 By Cultivation Mechanism

        3. 1.4.3.3 By Crop

        4. 1.4.3.4 By Country

          1. 1.4.3.4.1 France

          2. 1.4.3.4.2 Germany

          3. 1.4.3.4.3 Italy

          4. 1.4.3.4.4 Netherlands

          5. 1.4.3.4.5 Poland

          6. 1.4.3.4.6 Romania

          7. 1.4.3.4.7 Russia

          8. 1.4.3.4.8 Spain

          9. 1.4.3.4.9 Turkey

          10. 1.4.3.4.10 Ukraine

          11. 1.4.3.4.11 United Kingdom

          12. 1.4.3.4.12 Rest of Europe

      4. 1.4.4 Middle East

        1. 1.4.4.1 By Breeding Technology

        2. 1.4.4.2 By Cultivation Mechanism

        3. 1.4.4.3 By Crop

        4. 1.4.4.4 By Country

          1. 1.4.4.4.1 Iran

          2. 1.4.4.4.2 Saudi Arabia

          3. 1.4.4.4.3 Rest of Middle East

      5. 1.4.5 North America

        1. 1.4.5.1 By Breeding Technology

        2. 1.4.5.2 By Cultivation Mechanism

        3. 1.4.5.3 By Crop

        4. 1.4.5.4 By Country

          1. 1.4.5.4.1 Canada

          2. 1.4.5.4.2 Mexico

          3. 1.4.5.4.3 United States

          4. 1.4.5.4.4 Rest of North America

      6. 1.4.6 South America

        1. 1.4.6.1 By Breeding Technology

        2. 1.4.6.2 By Cultivation Mechanism

        3. 1.4.6.3 By Crop

        4. 1.4.6.4 By Country

          1. 1.4.6.4.1 Argentina

          2. 1.4.6.4.2 Brazil

          3. 1.4.6.4.3 Rest of South America

Seed Market Size FAQs

The Global Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 73.00 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.38% to reach USD 99.94 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Global Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 73.00 billion.

Seed Market Report Snapshots

Seed Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030