Global Seed Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Cultivation Mechanism;
Open Field and Protected CultivationBy Crop Type;
Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and OthersBy Type;
Conventional Seeds and Genetically Modified SeedsBy Trait;
Herbicide Tolerance, Insecticide Resistance, and OthersBy Method;
Treated Seeds and Non-Treated SeedsBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Seed Market Overview
Seed Market (USD Million)
Seed Market was valued at USD 8,007.59 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 13,027.63 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2%.
Global Seed Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 7.2 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
---|---|
Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 7.2 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 8,007.59 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 13,027.63 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 395 |
Major Players
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
- Corteva
- Advanta Seeds
- Sakata Seed Corporation
- Rallis India Limited
- FMC Corporation
- TAKII & CO.,LTD.
- Longping High-Tech
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Global Seed Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The seed market is expanding steadily due to the rising demand for high-yield and stress-resistant crop varieties. Farmers are increasingly adopting genetically enhanced seeds to improve output and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Around 65% of agricultural land is now cultivated using hybrid or advanced seed types, indicating a clear trend toward yield optimization and efficient farming.
Shift Toward Environmentally Friendly Farming
The market is also shaped by the growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture. Eco-conscious buyers are driving demand for seeds that support organic farming and promote soil conservation. Approximately 40% of seed purchases are currently guided by sustainability concerns, reflecting a significant shift in farming priorities toward environmental responsibility.
Biotechnology Advancing Seed Development
Rapid strides in biotechnological tools and breeding techniques are transforming seed production. Innovations such as gene editing and molecular breeding are accelerating the development of superior crop varieties. Reports show that nearly 55% of seed innovations today stem from biotechnology, demonstrating its integral role in advancing agricultural solutions.
Investment and Policy Momentum
The market is gaining further traction through favorable policies and financial support aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. Investments in seed quality improvement initiatives are growing, with more than 45% of agricultural innovation funding directed toward seed R&D and infrastructure. These developments are strengthening the foundation for future market expansion.
Seed Market Recent Developments
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In January 2021, Chinese state giants Sinochem and ChemChina merged to form the world’s largest agrochemical conglomerate, boosting Syngenta to become the third‑largest global seed company and reshaping market dynamics.
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In January 2023, Epic Gardening acquired Colorado-based Botanical Interests, expanding its organic seed portfolio and boosting its wholesale distribution of vegetable, herb & flower seed packets across North America.
Seed Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Seed Market, has been Segmented by Cultivation Mechanism, Crop Type, Type, Trait, Method, and Geography.
Seed Market, Segmentation By Cultivation Mechanism
The Seed Market, has been Segmented by Cultivation Mechanism into Open Field and Protected Cultivation.
Open Field
Open field cultivation remains the leading segment in the seed market, contributing more than 70% of the total market share. Its widespread adoption is attributed to the simplicity of setup, affordability, and suitability for large-scale agricultural practices, especially across Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
Protected Cultivation
With a market share of around 30%, protected cultivation is gaining traction for its ability to support controlled-environment agriculture. This segment is driven by increasing investments in greenhouse and polyhouse technologies, aiming to boost crop productivity and resource efficiency for premium fruits and vegetables.
Seed Market, Segmentation By Crop Type
The Seed Market, has been Segmented by Crop Type into Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others.
Cereals & Grains
Holding more than 45% share, cereals and grains lead the global seed market. High-yielding seed varieties for rice, corn, and wheat are in demand to meet food security goals and industrial uses such as biofuel. Asia Pacific is a dominant consumer due to vast cultivation areas.
Oilseeds & Pulses
With about 25% market share, oilseeds and pulses are crucial for edible oil and protein production. Soybean and sunflower seeds are among the most widely used, particularly in processed foods and livestock feed, driving adoption of hybrid and GM seeds.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables make up close to 20% of the market and are growing in importance due to rising awareness of nutrition and health. Enhanced seed varieties that support longer shelf life, better taste, and disease resistance are driving this segment’s expansion.
Others
Comprising nearly 10% of the market, this segment includes seeds for forage crops, fibers, and ornamentals. Growth is supported by increased demand from urban gardening, landscaping, and livestock feed applications.
Seed Market, Segmentation By Type
The Seed Market, has been Segmented by Type into Conventional Seeds and Genetically Modified Seeds.
Conventional Seeds
Conventional seeds make up about 60% of the global seed market. These seeds are derived from open-pollinated or hybrid varieties and are favored for their cost-effectiveness and natural traits. They remain popular among farmers aiming for organic certification and in regions where GMO adoption is restricted or limited.
Genetically Modified Seeds
Genetically modified seeds account for roughly 40% of total market share. These seeds are engineered for specific advantages like insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, and improved crop productivity. Widely adopted in the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina, GM seeds are transforming large-scale agriculture through efficiency and reduced input costs.
Seed Market, Segmentation By Trait
The Seed Market, has been Segmented by Trait into Herbicide Tolerance, Insecticide Resistance, and Others.
Herbicide Tolerance
Herbicide-tolerant seeds hold nearly 50% of the trait-based seed market, driven by the need for more effective and less labor-intensive weed control. These seeds allow for broad-spectrum herbicide use without harming crops, resulting in better yield management and reduced cultivation costs.
Insecticide Resistance
With a 35% share, insecticide-resistant seeds are widely adopted in large-scale farming operations. They are genetically engineered to withstand common pests, minimizing crop damage and reducing dependency on chemical insecticides, which benefits both farm economics and the environment.
Others
This segment, comprising around 15%, includes advanced traits like drought resistance, nutritional enhancement, and disease resistance. As agriculture adapts to climate change and shifting consumer preferences, these innovative traits are gaining market traction, especially in developing regions.
Seed Market, Segmentation By Method
The Seed Market, has been Segmented by Method into Treated Seeds and Non-Treated Seeds.
Treated Seeds
Treated seeds dominate the seed market with a share of around 70%, driven by the growing demand for enhanced crop protection and productivity. These seeds are treated with a combination of fungicides, insecticides, and micronutrients, offering better germination, stronger seedlings, and improved resistance against early-stage threats.
Non-Treated Seeds
Making up approximately 30% of the market, non-treated seeds are increasingly sought after in organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Free from synthetic chemicals, these seeds support eco-friendly cultivation and comply with stringent organic certification standards, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive markets.
Seed Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Seed Market, has been Segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Seed Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America commands nearly 30% of the seed market, fueled by widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) seeds, advanced R&D, and large-scale mechanized farming. The region continues to lead in biotech innovations in agriculture.
Europe
Europe holds around 20% of the market share, driven by demand for organic seeds and sustainable farming practices. Regulatory constraints on GM seed usage have encouraged growth in non-GMO and heirloom varieties.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific leads the seed market with more than 35% share, thanks to its strong agricultural base in countries like India, China, and Indonesia. Supportive government schemes and an emphasis on high-yield varieties have significantly boosted regional demand.
Middle East and Africa
Contributing 7–8%, the Middle East and Africa region is steadily growing due to investments in climate-resilient seed technology and expanding awareness of agricultural innovation amidst resource constraints.
Latin America
Latin America makes up about 10% of the seed market. With Brazil and Argentina at the forefront, the region benefits from large-scale commercial agriculture, particularly in soybeans, corn, and other GM crops.
Seed Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Seed Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Demand for Food Security
- Technological Advancements in Seed Development
- Growing Adoption of Precision Agriculture
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Growth in the usage of oilseeds by animal feed manufacturers - The surge in meat and dairy consumption is pushing feed formulators to incorporate protein-rich oilseeds such as soybean, sunflower, and canola. These crops deliver essential amino acids and energy, helping livestock reach target weights faster and more efficiently.
Rising demand cascades back to the farm, encouraging growers to plant more oilseed acres and choose high-yield, pest-tolerant seed varieties. Seed producers that supply these enhanced genetics benefit from steady, large-scale orders tied directly to the feed supply chain.
Premium livestock segments now prefer non-GMO and organic ingredients, prompting breeders to invest in hybrid and certified organic seed programs. This alignment with consumer health trends further accelerates oilseed seed sales.
Many governments promote oilseed self-sufficiency through subsidies and minimum-support prices, adding policy momentum. Combined market and regulatory tailwinds are turning oilseed genetics into a cornerstone of seed-sector growth.
Restraints
- Stringent Regulations and Policies
- Increasing Concerns About GM Seeds
- Rising Competition From Alternative Farming Practices
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Low yield of crops in under-irrigated areas - Vast tracts of cropland depend on erratic rainfall, causing chronic yield gaps in under-irrigated areas. Even superior seeds struggle when soil moisture drops during germination or grain filling, diminishing both output and quality.
Because returns are uncertain, growers hesitate to pay for premium genetics, slowing penetration of modern seed technology. High seed costs feel risky when fields might still underperform due to drought stress.
Many improved cultivars still require a baseline level of water to express their full potential. Sparse irrigation infrastructure and expensive well installation keep that threshold out of reach for smallholders.
Until affordable water-management solutions pair with truly drought-resilient seed lines, low productivity in rain-fed zones will continue to curb overall seed-market expansion.
Opportunities
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
- Development of Climate-Resilient Seeds
- Integration of Digital Technologies
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Molecular breeding in seeds - Molecular breeding harnesses DNA markers to pinpoint genes for yield, pest resistance, and stress tolerance, cutting years off traditional selection cycles and boosting precision.
By rapidly stacking multiple favorable traits, developers release seeds that perform consistently across variable climates—a critical advantage as weather volatility intensifies.
Crops crafted with marker-assisted and genomic selection often demand fewer inputs, supporting sustainability targets and easing pressure from rising fertilizer and pesticide costs.
As sequencing prices fall and bioinformatics improves, molecular breeding is spreading beyond corn and soy to vegetables, pulses, and specialty oilseeds, opening lucrative new product lanes for innovative seed companies.
Seed Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Seed Market include:
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
- Corteva
- Advanta Seeds
- Sakata Seed Corporation
- Rallis India Limited
- FMC Corporation
- TAKII & CO.,LTD.
- Longping High-Tech
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Cultivation Mechanism
- Market Snapshot, By Crop Type
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Trait
- Market Snapshot, By Method
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Seed Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing Demand for Food Security
- Technological Advancements in Seed Development
- Growing Adoption of Precision Agriculture
- Growth in the usage of oilseeds by animal feed manufacturers
- Restraints
- Stringent Regulations and Policies
- Increasing Concerns About GM Seeds
- Rising Competition From Alternative Farming Practices
- Low yield of crops in under-irrigated areas
- Opportunities
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
- Development of Climate-Resilient Seeds
- Integration of Digital Technologies
- Molecular breeding in seeds
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Seed Market, By Cultivation Mechanism, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Open Field
- Protected Cultivation
- Seed Market, By Crop Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Cereals & Grains
- Oilseeds & Pulses
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Others
- Seed Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Conventional Seeds
- Genetically Modified Seeds
- Seed Market, By Trait , 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Herbicide Tolerance
- Insecticide Resistance
- Others
- Seed Market, By Method , 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Treated Seeds
- Non-Treated Seeds
- Seed Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Seed Market, By Cultivation Mechanism, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
- Corteva
- Advanta Seeds
- Sakata Seed Corporation
- Rallis India Limited
- FMC Corporation
- TAKII & CO.,LTD.
- Longping High-Tech
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market