PLANT BREEDING MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Global Plant Breeding Market Size and Forecast – 2025-2032  

The Global Plant Breeding Market is estimated to be valued at USD 15.75 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 33.97 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways of the Plant Breeding Market:

• The conventional breeding segment is expected to account for 35.5% share of the market in 2025.
• The cereals and grains segment is expected to hold 32.5% share of the market in 2025.
• The herbicide tolerance segment is projected to capture 31.7% share of the market in 2025.
• Asia Pacific is set to lead the plant breeding market in 2025 with a 40.3% share. North America, with a 21.5% share, will be the fastest-growing region.

Market Overview:

The plant breeding market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising demand for higher crop yields, improved crop quality, and enhanced resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Advancements in genomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology are playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, allowing researchers to develop new plant varieties with enhanced and desirable traits. The development and adoption of genetically modified crops have further accelerated progress, offering solutions to increase productivity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Additionally, the expanding global population, changing climatic conditions, and increasing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices are collectively fueling the market's continued expansion. 

Currents Events and their Impact

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Segmental Analysis

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Plant Breeding Market Insights, By Breeding Type - Conventional Breeding Dominates Due to its Proven Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency

Conventional breeding segment is expected to contribute 35.5% share of the market in 2025, owing to its long history of success, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to a wide range of crops. Conventional breeding techniques, such as cross-pollination and selection, have been used for centuries to develop improved plant varieties with desirable traits. This time-tested approach has resulted in the creation of numerous high-yielding, disease-resistant, and adaptable crop varieties that have significantly contributed to global food security.

For instance, according to the International Rice Research Institute, the development of IR8 ("Miracle Rice") is a landmark example of conventional breeding success. This high-yielding rice variety significantly increased rice production in Asia Pacific and helped avert famine, becoming a foundational component of the Green Revolution.

Plant Breeding Market Insights, By Crop Type - Cereals and Grains Lead Due to their Vital Role in Global Food Security and Nutrition

Cereals and grains segment is projected to contribute 32.5% share of the market in 2025, primarily due to their critical importance in ensuring global food security and providing essential nutrients to a growing world population. Cereals and grains, such as wheat, rice, maize, and barley, form the backbone of many food systems worldwide, serving as staple crops for billions of people.

As the global population continues to rise, the need for efficient and sustainable production of these essential crops has become more pressing. Plant breeding efforts focused on cereals and grains aim to develop varieties with higher yields, improved nutritional content, and enhanced resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby addressing the challenges of food security and nutrition.

Plant Breeding Market Insights, By Trait - Herbicide Tolerance Leads as Weed Management Remains a Critical Challenge for Farmers

Herbicide tolerance segment is expected to contribute 31.7% share of the market in 2025, as weed management continues to be one of the most significant challenges faced by farmers worldwide. Weeds compete with crops for essential resources, such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, leading to reduced yields and quality. The development of herbicide-tolerant crop varieties has revolutionized weed management practices, enabling farmers to effectively control weeds while minimizing crop damage.

Regional Insights:

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Asia Pacific Plant Breeding Market Analysis and Trends

The Asia Pacific region is projected to lead the market with a 40.3% share in 2025, driven by its vast agricultural base, growing food demand, and increasing investment in modern farming techniques. Countries like China, India, Japan, and Australia are at the forefront of adopting advanced plant breeding technologies to enhance crop yield, quality, and resilience. The region benefits from diverse agro-climatic zones, which support the development of a wide range of crop varieties tailored to specific environmental conditions.

In September 2024, Thailand introduced new gene editing regulations, marking a major step for agricultural innovation in the Asia Pacific region. The APAC seed industry welcomed this science-based policy, viewing it as vital for advancing crop development and tackling challenges like climate change and food security.

North America Plant Breeding Market Analysis and Trends

North America region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the market contributing 21.5% share in 2025. The surge is fueled by increasing demand for climate-resilient and high-yielding crops, coupled with the rising adoption of advanced breeding technologies such as Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), marker-assisted selection, and genomic selection. The U.S. and Canada have significantly ramped up investments in agricultural biotechnology to address food security and environmental sustainability concerns.

For example, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer Crop Science (with major operations in the U.S.), and Syngenta AG are actively introducing new crop varieties tailored to meet regional climate and market demands, positioning North America as a dynamic and rapidly evolving market in the global landscape.

Global Plant Breeding Market Outlook for Key Countries

U.S. Plant Breeding Market Trends

The U.S. plant breeding market is characterized by its strong emphasis on research and development. The country is home to world-renowned agricultural research institutions, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and leading universities, which have made significant contributions to the advancement of plant breeding techniques.

For instance, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) invests USD 8.6M in Plant Breeding for Agricultural Production (A1141). The Plant Breeding for Agricultural Production (A1141) program under NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative supports public breeding efforts to enhance crop productivity, resilience, and quality. It focuses on traits like nutrient efficiency, climate tolerance, pest resistance, and improved nutrition, using both traditional breeding and bioengineering techniques.

China Plant Breeding Market Trends

China plant breeding market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the country's increasing food demand and government support for agricultural innovation. The Chinese government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote the development and adoption of modern plant breeding techniques.

For instance, in March 2025, new plant breeding accelerator science super center opened in China. The Crop Breeding Accelerator project in Beijing, built by Kingpeng, was completed in September 2024 and is now in trial operation. The high-tech greenhouse supports the breeding of crops like wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, mung beans, and lettuce.

India Plant Breeding Market Trends

India continues to be a leading player in the global plant breeding market, with a large agricultural sector and a growing population. The Indian government has recognized the importance of plant breeding in ensuring food security and has implemented various programs and initiatives to support research and development in this field. The country has a diverse range of crops, including rice, wheat, and vegetables, which have been the focus of breeding efforts. Indian companies, such as Advanta Seeds and Nuziveedu Seeds, have made significant contributions to the market, developing improved crop varieties that cater to the specific needs of Indian farmers.

Brazil Plant Breeding Market Trends

Brazil plant breeding market has experienced significant growth, driven by the country's vast agricultural land and favorable climate conditions. The Brazilian government has implemented policies to support agricultural research and development, with a focus on developing improved crop varieties that are adapted to local conditions. The country is a major producer of crops such as soybeans, corn, and sugarcane, and has been at the forefront of developing new varieties that offer higher yields and better resistance to pests and diseases. Companies like Embrapa and Sakata Seed Corporation have played a key role in driving innovation and growth in this market.

End User Feedback and Unmet Needs

• The global plant breeding market is shaped significantly by feedback from key end-user segments such as agricultural cooperatives, seed companies, government research institutions, and commercial growers. These stakeholders play a vital role in adopting and scaling plant breeding technologies and continuously provide insights into both the strengths and gaps within current offerings.
• Commercial growers in North America have reported high levels of satisfaction with precision breeding tools, particularly in hybrid seed production. For example, a leading agribusiness cooperative in the U.S. highlighted how the integration of marker-assisted selection significantly reduced breeding cycles and enhanced disease resistance in maize varieties. This advancement not only improved crop resilience but also helped maintain yield consistency amid climate stress.
• Conversely, small and mid-sized farming enterprises in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa often face challenges in accessing advanced breeding technologies. A government-backed seed distribution initiative in Kenya noted that while genetically improved seeds offer superior drought tolerance, limited regional breeding infrastructure and the lack of localized trait customization reduced adoption rates. Farmers expressed concerns over poor adaptability of imported seed varieties to local soil conditions and pest resistance requirements.

Market Players, Key Development, and Competitive Intelligence:

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Key Developments:

• In February 2025, Syngenta reinforced its global leadership in agricultural biologicals by significantly expanding its research and development capabilities in the sector. The company has announced the acquisition of the Novartis repository of natural compounds and genetic strains for agricultural applications, while Novartis retains exclusive rights for pharmaceutical use. As part of the agreement, Syngenta will also integrate the Novartis Natural Products and Biomolecular Chemistry team into its operations.
• On July 9, 2024, BASF announced the launch of 19 new Xitavo soybean seed products for the 2025 growing season, further expanding its portfolio. With these new additions, the Xitavo lineup now comprises 46 products, covering a broad range of relative maturities from 0.0 to 4.8.
• In June 2024, Syngenta Group, a leading global agricultural technology company, granted access to selected genome-editing and breeding technologies for academic research worldwide. This initiative, part of its ongoing commitment to promote innovation and sustainability in agriculture, is available through its collaborative innovation platform, Shoots by Syngenta.
• In October 2023, BASF constructed a new fermentation facility for crop protection products at its Ludwigshafen site, investing a significant double-digit million-euro amount. The plant will produce biotechnology-driven solutions such as biological fungicides and seed treatments, aimed at delivering added value to farmers.

Top Strategies Followed by Global Plant Breeding Market Players

• Established players: Major players such as Bayer CropScience, Corteva Agriscience, and Syngenta prioritize extensive R&D investments, strategic alliances, and global distribution expansion.
  • For example, in 2020, Equinom strengthens breeding capabilities with integrated seed-to-table innovation center. Equinom, Ltd. is advancing its seed-to-table innovation by becoming the first seed-breeding company to establish an R&D center that unifies all key departments—biochemistry, applications, sensory, and breeding in a single facility. This integrated approach enables seamless collaboration and real-time communication among teams, leading to a more streamlined, efficient, and precise seed development process.

• Mid-level players: Regional players like Kaveri Seed Company (India), Rijk Zwaan (Netherlands), and Limagrain (France) focus on cost-effective breeding solutions, collaborative development, and affordable innovation to serve price-sensitive customers.
  • For example, in June 2024, Corteva Agriscience significantly invested in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and doubled its R&D spend over the past five years to accelerate the development of hybrid corn and soybean varieties that show improved drought tolerance and disease resistance.

• Small-scale players: These players in the global plant breeding market are focusing on niche specialization to differentiate themselves from larger competitors. They target specific market segments with unique features or innovative products that cater to the particular needs of those customers.

Market Report Scope

Plant Breeding Market Dynamics

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Plant Breeding Market Driver - Increasing global demand for food due to population growth

The global plant breeding market is experiencing a significant driver in the form of increasing worldwide demand for food, propelled by the relentless growth of the global population. As the number of people inhabiting the Earth continues to rise at an unprecedented pace, the need for a stable and ample food supply becomes increasingly critical. This surging demand places immense pressure on the agricultural sector to enhance crop yields, improve crop quality, and develop more resilient plant varieties capable of thriving in diverse environmental conditions.

For instance, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has developed high-yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties, such as the “IR64 Sub1” which is submergence-tolerant and can survive floods for over two weeks—a critical innovation for flood-prone regions in South and Southeast Asia.

Plant Breeding Market Opportunity - Rising demand for sustainable and organic farming practices

The growing trend of sustainable and organic farming practices presents a significant opportunity for the global plant breeding market. Consumers are increasingly conscious about the environmental impact of agriculture and are seeking out food products that are grown using sustainable and organic methods.  This shift in consumer preferences has led to a surge in demand for crops that are bred specifically for organic and sustainable farming systems.

Plant breeders are responding to this trend by developing varieties that are well-suited to these production methods, such as those with enhanced pest and disease resistance, improved nutrient use efficiency, and adaptability to diverse growing conditions. One prominent example of this trend is the increasing adoption of organic farming practices worldwide. According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM - Organics International, the global organic agricultural land area expanded by 3 million hectares in 2020, reaching a total of 74.9 million hectares.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion):

• The plant breeding market is undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by advancements in biotechnology and a growing need for sustainable agricultural practices. Companies like BASF are leading the charge with innovative gene-editing techniques, such as CRISPR, to develop crops that are more resilient to climate change and pests, significantly enhancing food security.
• Key conferences like the International Plant Breeding Conference (2022) and Plant & Animal Genome Conference (2023) have provided essential platforms for researchers and industry stakeholders to share breakthroughs in plant genetics and breeding strategies. These events underscore the critical role of collaboration in driving innovation and addressing global challenges, such as food scarcity and environmental sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of agriculture and reinforcing the importance of modern plant breeding methods.

Market Segmentation

•  Breeding Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Conventional Breeding
  • Hybrid Breeding
  • Molecular Breeding
  • Genetic Engineering
•  Crop Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Cereals and Grains
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Oilseeds
  • Flowers and Ornamental Plants
  • Others
•  Trait Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Herbicide Tolerance
  • Insect Resistance
  • Yield Improvement
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Food Production
  • Biofuel Production
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • BASF SE
  • Syngenta AG
  • Monsanto Company (Bayer)
  • DuPont Pioneer
  • Corteva Agriscience
  • Limagrain
  • KWS SAAT SE
  • Rothamsted Research
  • Enza Zaden
  • Syngenta Seeds
  • Allergan
  • Evogene Ltd.
  • Seed Co Limited
  • DLF Seeds
  • Bayer CropScience AG

Sources:

Primary Research Interviews:

• Senior Research Scientist – Global Agrigenomics Company (insights into CRISPR and molecular breeding tools)
• Director – Government Agricultural Research Institute (crop improvement programs and policy feedback)
• Procurement Manager – Leading Seed Distributor (Asia Pacific seed demand and variety performance)
• Business Head – Agri-biotech Firm (trends in hybrid seed adoption and trait development)

Stakeholders:

• Seed Manufacturers & Developers
• End-use Sectors: Commercial Farming Enterprises, Contract Growers, Government Agricultural Schemes
• Regulatory & Certification Bodies: UPOV, National Seed Boards, OECD Seed Schemes
• Agrochemical & Trait Licensing Companies
• Precision Agriculture Tech Providers: Drone, sensor, and data analytics platform developers

Databases:

• UN Comtrade Database
• India Import Export (EXIM) Database
• FAO Stat – Agricultural production and yield datasets

Magazines:

• Seed World – Innovations in breeding techniques and seed technology
• The Crop Site – Market dynamics and advances in plant breeding
• AgriBusiness Global – Commercial seed demand and market shifts
• Farming Ahead – Precision breeding and farming technology integration
• Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) – Trends in molecular breeding and genomics

Journals:

• Theoretical and Applied Genetics – Molecular markers and trait introgression
• Plant Breeding – Germplasm enhancement and hybrid performance evaluation
• Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry – Nutritional quality of improved cultivars
• Field Crops Research – Evaluation of stress-resilient and high-yield crops
• Nature Plants – Advanced CRISPR and genomic editing research in breeding

Newspapers

• Financial Times – Global agricultural biotech investments
• The Hindu Business Line – India's seed sector and regulatory policy changes
• The Guardian – Ethical and climate implications of plant breeding
• South China Morning Post – Food security and innovation in Asian agriculture
• Reuters – Global food crisis response and role of biotech crops

Associations:

• International Seed Federation (ISF)
• Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA)
• African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA)
• Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) – Agriculture and Environment Section
• International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
• Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

Public Domain Sources

• FAO – Reports on sustainable crop production and breeding
• UNEP – Guidelines for sustainable agriculture and resource efficiency
• UPOV – International regulations and plant breeders' rights framework
• OECD – Agricultural productivity and innovation policies
• ICAR (India) – Crop-specific R&D initiatives and breeder seed supply data

Proprietary Elements:

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of Information for Last 8 Years.