South America Seed Market Size

The South American seed market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of hybrid seeds, which offer higher yields and profitability. The region's diverse climates, abundant natural resources, and technological advancements contribute to its substantial market share in the global seed industry. Corn, soybean, and alfalfa are among the key crops benefiting from transgenic hybrid seeds, while wheat is expected to grow rapidly due to export demands. Despite challenges in the protected cultivation segment, the overall market is set to expand, supported by government initiatives and the rising demand for high-quality seeds.

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South America Seed Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 8.24 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 11.94 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Breeding Technology Hybrids
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 6.36 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Brazil

Major Players

South America Seed Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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South America Seed Market Analysis

The South America Seed Market size is estimated at 8.24 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 11.94 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.36% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

8.24 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

11.94 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

6.62 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

6.36 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Crop Family

41.40 %

value share, Oilseeds, 2023

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The high share of the oilseeds segment is driven by the large area under soybean cultivation in the region and the suitable climatic conditions for oilseed crops.

Largest Market by Country

51.12 %

value share, Brazil, 2023

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The high share of Brazil is mainly because of the highest area under cultivation in the region, supported by the high seed replacement rate.

Fastest-growing Market by Crop Family

6.84 %

Projected CAGR, Oilseeds, 2024-2030

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The growth of the oilseeds segment is driven by the adoption of transgenic soybean hybrids and increasing demand for soybeans from the food and feed industries.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

7.32 %

Projected CAGR, Brazil, 2024-2030

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Brazil's fastest growth rate is associated with the quick adoption of modern technologies to meet the increasing demand in the domestic and international markets.

Leading Market Player

16.44 %

market share, Bayer AG, 2022

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Bayer AG has invested heavily in product innovations. It has introduced new technology traits (Intacta 2 Xtend), such as herbicide-tolerant soybean varieties in the region.

Highest number of GM seeds approved with different applications such as food and animal feed industry is anticipated to help the growth of row crops, especially corn and Alfalfa

  • In 2022, hybrids had a larger share in the South American seed market as growers prefer hybrids to earn high profits and obtain higher yields. South America has a larger share of transgenic hybrid seeds due to highly profitable crops such as corn, soybean, and alfalfa approved for cultivation in the region.
  • Corn is the largest crop segment among hybrids as it is a high-profit crop, and growers want a higher yield with a high nutritional value and seeds that adapt quickly to different soil and weather conditions. Moreover, the higher usage in biofuel production is helping in the adoption of hybrid corn seeds.
  • Wheat is estimated to be the fastest-growing sub-segment in the South American hybrid seed market at a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period as it is exported to other countries in Europe and Africa due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. European countries also use wheat to make pizza bases. Therefore, the demand for wheat seeds is expected to grow at a faster rate.
  • Alfalfa is projected to be one of the fastest-growing forage segments at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period, as both transgenic and non-transgenic seeds are approved for cultivation in South America. It is used as feed due to its high protein content and is easily digestible by livestock. It has herbicide tolerance that offers protection against weeds. Therefore, these uses are anticipated to help in increasing the sales of Alfalfa.
  • The hybrids segment is projected to grow in the region, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period because of higher resistance to diseases and pests and wider adaptability.
South America Seed Market

Brazil dominates the South American seed market due to availability of improved seeds and new technology to increase the production of crops

  • In 2022, South America accounted for 11.1% of the global seed market. This is because the region has abundant natural resources, diverse climates, technological adoption, and global export potential. This growing demand is driving the seed market in the region.
  • The protected cultivation segment accounted for only 0.01% of the South American seed market in 2022 because medium-scale and small farmers cannot have a high initial investment, and there is no government support for setting up new greenhouse structures in South American countries. Therefore, it can restrain the growth of the protected cultivation segment during the forecast period.
  • South America's adoption rate of hybrids is estimated to grow faster than open-pollinated seed varieties between 2023 and 2030 because of their ability to increase the yield by 10%-15%, good quality, and better quality return on investment.
  • Brazil is the leading country in South America because of the availability of improved seeds, highly profitable crops such as corn and tomato grown in the country, and new technology to increase the production of crops. Therefore, it is anticipated that the market will increase during the forecast period in South America with a CAGR of 7.4%. In 2022, Argentina accounted for 20.8% of the South American seed market. Argentina is emerging in agriculture, which will increase the demand for seeds to meet the demand of farmers to grow good-quality crops.
  • Therefore, the aforementioned factors, such as higher yield, new technologies, and government initiatives to provide loans at low-interest rates, are anticipated to augment the South American seed market during the forecast period.

South America 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. Argentina, Brazil are covered as segments by Country.

  • In 2022, hybrids had a larger share in the South American seed market as growers prefer hybrids to earn high profits and obtain higher yields. South America has a larger share of transgenic hybrid seeds due to highly profitable crops such as corn, soybean, and alfalfa approved for cultivation in the region.
  • Corn is the largest crop segment among hybrids as it is a high-profit crop, and growers want a higher yield with a high nutritional value and seeds that adapt quickly to different soil and weather conditions. Moreover, the higher usage in biofuel production is helping in the adoption of hybrid corn seeds.
  • Wheat is estimated to be the fastest-growing sub-segment in the South American hybrid seed market at a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period as it is exported to other countries in Europe and Africa due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. European countries also use wheat to make pizza bases. Therefore, the demand for wheat seeds is expected to grow at a faster rate.
  • Alfalfa is projected to be one of the fastest-growing forage segments at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period, as both transgenic and non-transgenic seeds are approved for cultivation in South America. It is used as feed due to its high protein content and is easily digestible by livestock. It has herbicide tolerance that offers protection against weeds. Therefore, these uses are anticipated to help in increasing the sales of Alfalfa.
  • The hybrids segment is projected to grow in the region, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period because of higher resistance to diseases and pests and wider adaptability.
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
Country
Argentina
Brazil
Rest of South America
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South America Seed Market Size Summary

The South America seed market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of hybrid seeds, which are preferred for their higher yields and profitability. The region's favorable conditions for cultivating transgenic hybrid seeds, particularly for crops like corn, soybean, and alfalfa, contribute to this trend. Corn stands out as the largest crop segment among hybrids due to its high profit potential and adaptability to various soil and weather conditions. The demand for wheat seeds is also on the rise, fueled by export opportunities to Europe and Africa. Alfalfa is gaining traction as a forage segment, thanks to its high protein content and herbicide tolerance, which enhances its appeal as livestock feed. The market is characterized by a shift towards hybrids, which offer better resistance to diseases and pests, and are expected to grow at a robust pace over the forecast period.

Brazil leads the South American seed market, benefiting from advanced seed technology and the cultivation of profitable crops like corn and soybeans. The region's extensive area under row crops, primarily soybeans, corn, and wheat, underscores its agricultural significance, with soybeans being a major export product. The demand for oilseeds and biofuels is driving the expansion of field crop cultivation. The market is fragmented, with major players like Advanta Seeds - UPL, Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, Groupe Limagrain, and Syngenta Group playing pivotal roles. Recent developments include the introduction of high-yielding soybean varieties and collaborations to enhance seed technology. Despite challenges in the protected cultivation segment, the overall market is poised for growth, supported by technological advancements and favorable agricultural policies.

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South America 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 Country

      1. 1.4.1 Argentina

      2. 1.4.2 Brazil

      3. 1.4.3 Rest of South America

South America Seed Market Size FAQs

The South America Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 8.24 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.36% to reach USD 11.94 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the South America Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 8.24 billion.

South America Seed Market Report Snapshots

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