Seeds Market Size, Share, Growth, Report 2026 to 2035

Seeds Market Size and Growth 2026 to 2035

The global seeds market size reached at USD 66.91 billion in 2025 and is expected to be worth around USD 130.58 billion by 2035, exhibiting at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% over the forecast period 2026 to 2035. The seeds market is expanding due to rising demand for high-quality crops and sustainable farming practices. Crop yields are improving, resulting in a great increase in hybrid and genetically-modified seed usage. The organic food sector growth and changing dietary preferences are helping drive demand for better-quality seeds. Government initiatives that support farmer subsidies (which overlap) and modern agricultural practices are also driving expansion.

The future of the seeds market has some influences including biological and advancements in climate resilience. The generation of drought-tolerant and pest-resistance seed varieties increasingly helps farmers adapt to changing weather and future crop loss reduction. Also, precision agriculture and digital-tool agriculture are improving seed selection and field management. Therefore, innovation and adoption of technology will remain key drivers of the global seeds market growth.

Report Highlights

• By Region, North America (34.50%): Leading the markets due to R&D capabilities, farming technology, and acceptance of hybrid and GM seeds.
• By Region, Asia-Pacific as the Fastest Growing Region: Fastest-growing region due to its strong agricultural output, the hybrid nature of their seeds, and government support for seed improvements.
• By Seed Type, Cereals and Grains hold the largest share (48.30%): Cereals such as corn, wheat and rice account for the largest portion of the market as they are used so much for food and feed around the world.
• By Traits, Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) leads the market with highest revenue share of 41% in 2025.
  By Type, Conventional Seeds accounted maximum revenue share of 52% in 2025.
• Increased Demand for High-Yielding Crops: Growing global population and food security issues are increasing demand for high-yielding, disease-resistant seed varieties.
• Technological Advancements in Seed Development: Biotechnology, gene editing (CRISPR), and precision farming have changed the seed industry and are speeding up the development of improved seed traits.

What are seeds?

Seeds are small embryonic structures in plants that become new plants when planted under favorable conditions. They contain the genetic composition of the parent plant. Seeds are essential to agriculture as they determine the quality, yield, and vigor of the plants produced. Moreover, the seeds development and selection are important for food security, biodiversity, and productivity of agriculture throughout the world.

Types of Seeds:

• Hybrid Seeds: Cross-bred for better yield and resistance.
• Open-Pollinated Seeds: Naturally pollinated and reusable each season.
• Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds: Genetically modified for specific traits.
• Heirloom Seeds: Traditional and non-hybrid varieties.
• Organic Seeds: Grown without chemicals or pesticides.
• Treated Seeds: Coated to protect from pests and diseases.

Increasing Development of New Farming Techniques Driving the Seeds Market

The seeds market is being propelled forward by the development of modern farming techniques and smarter seed-technologies. Research suggests that newer seed varieties are 31% more productive than older seed varieties when matched well with field conditions. As consumers (farmers) adopt data-driven precision agriculture tools like soil sensors, GPS planting, and variable-rate application of seed, they will increasingly be a driving force in the seeds market. And as consumers become familiar with these tools, they too will push seed companies to create seeds that match these technologies. This is an important part of how innovation and demand will drive the seeds market.

At the same time, advances in biotechnology and digital farming are changing how seed is developed, selected, and ultimately used. For example, advanced seed coatings, drought- and pest-resistant features, and seed-breeding with analytics are becoming routine. Lastly, as modern planting hardware (most notably, those that place seed with precision-spacing and depth) matures in the market, there is a growing expectation that seeds will perform uniformly every time in that planting process. All of this creates more access to new premium seed varieties and helps expand the seeds market forward with the evolving base of newer farming techniques.

Market Trends

1. Launch of Light-Activated Seed Trait Technology

• In March 2025, BioLumic announced the world's first light-activated seed trait technology, which uses specific light treatments coupled with beneficial traits in seeds, without genetic modification. This represents a substantial advance in sustainable agriculture, allowing for faster and less expensive improvement in yield or resilience. Seed companies can quickly improve varieties using this technology and farmers can obtain high-performance seeds sooner. The advancement reduces the reliance on traditional biotech and allows for natural improvement in productivity, repositioning milestone indicators for the seeds market toward innovation and sustainability.

2. BASF’s Expansion into Seeds and Asian Markets

• In May 2025, BASF's Agriculture Solutions division announced that it was making a major expansion into the seeds and traits sector to enhance growth opportunities across a large part of Asia's agricultural landscape. This milestone represents a significant shift in strategy from one of the largest agribusiness firms in the world showing that large players in the sector are investing heavily in seed R&D, biotechnology, and regional distribution networks. The strategy will create more competitive markets, more diverse product categories, and overall more local access to better seeds. This global expansion is driving the seeds market through facilitated cross-border collaboration, technology transfer, as well as large-scale investments in innovation.

3. Rise of Seed Treatment and Advanced Seed Technologies

• Seed treatments and coatings are a new defining milestone in the contemporary seeds market. Evolving technologies, such as biological coatings, nano-nutrient layers, and precision seed placement systems, are increasing the viability of seeds germinated under stress. Reports indicate that in 2025, the adoption of seed technology platforms is increasing rapidly, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries, where treated seeds are addressing pest and drought challenges. Most importantly, this is reshaping seeds market, no longer just as a genetic-based product, but as potential performance-enhancing tools. As farmers begin to prioritize high-tech seeds that generate greater yield with a lower ecological footprint, the maturation and overall growth of the seeds market continue.

4. Strengthening of Seed Regulations and Policy Frameworks

• Improved seed certification and regulatory reforms in key agricultural economies are another important milestone of seed market development. Countries including the U.S., Brazil and India have implemented stronger standards on seed labeling, approvals for genetic traits, and competition standards to ensure seed quality and transparency. Such policies reduce the use of counterfeit or low-quality seeds, improve product traceability, and increase farmer confidence in certified brands. Improved seed regulations ensure that farmers are accessing true, high-performance seed varieties and, in general, seed market development has grown confidence among farmers to adopt seed (and use seed brands). Accordingly, regulatory improvements are ensuring a strong platform for sustainable market growth, and confidence to invest in the long-term and innovate in the global seeds market.

Report Scope

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Growing Demand for High-Yield and Quality Crops: The growing global population is compelling farmers to generate more and more food from limited agricultural land. This is driving the need for more high-yield, disease-resistant, climate-tolerant seeds. The seeds industry benefits from this trend, as hybrid and genetically enhanced seeds enable farmers to better productivity and profits. Additionally, shifts in dietary patterns, along with increased demand for high-nutrition crops, are leading farmers to adopt improved seed varieties.
• Technological Advancements in Agriculture: Modern farming techniques, such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and seed treatments are reshaping the seeds market. Improved germination, higher pest resistance, and decreased crop loss are among the benefits. Subsequently, farmers are investing more in improved seeds to maximize production and sustainability. Ongoing research and development of seed companies are also developing seeds suitable for the specific region.

Market Restraints

• High Cost of Hybrid and GM Seeds: One key restraint on the seeds market is high prices of hybrid and genetically modified seeds. Small-scale farmers are unable to purchase these varieties, which creates a gap in adoption of seeds in developing regions. The price gap affects the overall growth potential of the market, particularly in less prosperous agricultural economies. Moreover, farmers in some countries are particularly burdened by the imported seeds, which they often must buy to address supply gaps.
• Strict Government Regulations and Approval Processes: The seeds market has rigorous regulatory environments surrounding genetically modified seeds, trait approvals, and labeling standards around the world. These lengthy and convoluted approval processes result in delayed product launches and stifle innovation. Global seed companies also have to deal with different country regulations, which creates costs and reduces operational flexibility. Furthermore, differences in policy between regions can limit the ability of companies to expand globally with standardized products.

Market Opportunities

• Rising Adoption of Organic and Sustainable Farming: As consumer preference for healthier and more sustainable food, organic farming is rapidly expanding globally. This presents strong opportunity for the seeds market, as well as for organic seeds in particular. Companies that invest in non-GMO, chemical-free, and certified organic seeds can expect increasing demand from farmers and food brands. In addition, at the same time, governments and non-governmental organizations that support the ongoing transition to sustainable farming are also altruistically encouraging certified organic seeds by promoting training and subsidies to farmers.
• Expansion in Emerging Agricultural Economies: Emerging regions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America represent a significant opportunity for the seeds market. These regions are seeing an increase in government initiatives, improved infrastructure, and greater farmer awareness of the benefits of hybrid seed. Therefore, there are new opportunities for business expansion in these regions. Seed suppliers and manufacturers are focusing on the next wave of growth in agriculture due to the vast unexplored agricultural land and increasing farmer population. The presence of multinational seed companies in these developing markets is transferring technology and innovation into local seed companies.

Market Challenges

• Climate Change and Environmental Stress: Unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and floods are significant challenges facing the seeds market. Even advanced seed varieties can underperform under extreme conditions—resulting in yield losses and shattering farmers' confidence. Producing climate-resilient seed varieties is now recognized as a major challenge and priority for producers. Frequent climate disruptions also challenge the storage, distribution, and maintenance of seed quality in tropical areas.
• Seed Counterfeiting and Quality Issues: Counterfeit or substandard seeds are a serious concern, especially in developing countries. These kinds of seeds undermine farmer confidence and result in the potential for significant losses, often from poor germination or failed yields. Strengthening seed certification systems and traceability is vital and current trends suggest that data and digital tracking, as well as blockchain verification systems, can address these challenges.

Regional Analysis

The seeds market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

North America Seeds Market: Innovation and Advanced Agricultural Practices Driving Growth

The North America seeds market size reached at USD 23.08 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach around USD 45.05 billion by 2035. The North America is propelled by innovation, advanced farming, and strong investment in biotechnology research. A well-established seed industry in the region is supported by multinational corporate leaders, such as Corteva, Bayer and Syngenta. U.S. and Canadian farmers, as early adopters of genetically modified (GM) and hybrid seeds, benefit from the improved yield and improved crop resilience these seeds offer. Precision agriculture tools, such as GPS-based planting, drone monitoring, and seed-treatment technologies, also increase efficiency. The market is diversifying due to increasing consumer demand for organic/non-GMO seeds. Moreover, strong presence of research and development centers, supportive government policy regarding crop biotechnology, and high-investment values regarding crop biotechnology, make North America a prominent place for seed development and sales globally.

Recent Developments:

• The U.S. seed treatment market is expected to undergo substantial growth, with the North American seed treatment market expected to be approximately USD 12 billion by 2030.
• A significant seed-packaging investment in Illinois shows supporting auxiliary services that directly apply to the seeds market.
• Large seed companies are continuing to report increases in R&D spending and continued trait-development focused on North America.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) Seeds Market: High Demand and Expanding Agricultural Modernization

The Asia-Pacific seeds market size valued at USD 19 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to surpass around USD 37.08 billion by 2035. The Asia-Pacific is one of the most rapidly growing region, due to high demand for food because of a growing population and modernization of agriculture. Countries such as India, China, Japan, and Indonesia continue to pursue hybrid, GM, and bio-fortified seeds to improve food security. The Asia-Pacific region has diverse climatic conditions which makes it conducive for a wide range of crops such as rice, corn, vegetables, and oilseeds, which results in high seed consumption. Furthermore, governments are launching initiatives to promote the use of certified seeds, improve seed quality, and enable local seed production. Ultimately, farmers will increase their seed consumption in response to the rapid take up of advanced smart farming technologies and the expansion of organic agriculture. In addition, national cooperation and seed fairs also have and are helping to promote innovation and awareness amongst farmers.

Recent Developments:

• India initiated bio-fortified seed programmes for crops such as wheat and pulses. This shows public sector agency support to improve seed varieties.
• The Asia-Pacific region has experienced a strong growth of around 14.7% CAGR in its organic seed segment.

Europe Seeds Market: Sustainability and Regulation Shaping Seed Innovation

The Europe seeds market size accounted for USD 18.20 billion in 2025 and is predicted to reach around USD 35.52 billion by 2035. The Europe is molded by strict regulations, sustainability aims, and a focus on high-quality seed production. European farmers are adopting certified, traceable, and sustainable seeds to comply with the EU Green Deal. The demand for organic seeds and hybrid seeds is increasing in Europe as the region works to shift towards sustainable agriculture with lower pesticide applications. The European seed sector is also investing in genomic breeding and other modern molecular approaches to develop climate-resilient varieties.  Furthermore, consumer demand for healthy and chemical-free produce is pushing seed companies to innovate more rapidly.

Recent Developments

• The Euroseeds association reports success on the regulation of new genomic techniques (NGTs) that will impact seed breeding and commercialization.
• Delays in seed imports in the UK post-Brexit have impacted tomato seeds and peppers' seed deliveries, indicating a logistical risk to the overall European seeds market.

Seeds Market Share, By Region, 2025 (%)

LAMEA Seeds Market: Emerging Potential & Ecosystem Build-up

The LAMEA seeds market size reached at USD 6.62 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to hit around USD 12.93 billion by 2035. The LAMEA is growing rapidly due to modernization of agriculture, better access to seeds, and greater awareness among farmers. As the leader in Latin America, Brazil and Argentina are continuing to lead in the adoption of hybrids and GM seeds for soy, maize, and cotton. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and Africa, there is an interest in food security and sustainable farming, which translates into demand for drought-tolerant and pest-resistant seeds. The government and NGO efforts to encourage farmers to move away from informal seed exchanges to certified seed systems. While there are challenges to the region, specifically weak infrastructure and regulatory issues, global seed company investment and activity is improving the market ecosystem. The agricultural possibilities of LAMEA are huge, and more investment in research and local production of hybrid seed is expected to make it a dynamic area of growth in the next few years.

Recent Developments:

• Brazil has invested in hybrid varieties of soybean and corn seed based on yield performance.
• Kenya and South Africa are moving toward new seed certification frameworks.
• In Colombia local farmers advocate for growing native seeds along with the introduction of GM technology.

Segmental Analysis

The seeds market is segmented into type, seed type, traits, and region.

Type Analysis

Conventional seeds dominate the market because they are used by farmers in developing and developed countries. They are inexpensive, easy to grow, and appropriate for traditional agricultural practices that most small and medium-sized farmers rely upon. Many small and medium-scale farmers prefer conventional seeds because they are inexpensive and readily available. Government-supported distribution systems and local seed exchange systems also facilitate the ongoing use of conventional seeds, aiding the position of conventional seeds in the global seeds market. Further, conventional seeds retain a reputation for reliably performing and responding to different soil and climatic conditions, making for an easy choice for farmers. The ease of availability for conventional seeds through both formal and informal seed channels also aids the position of conventional seeds in the market.

Seeds Market Share, By Type, 2025 (%)

Genetically Modified (GM) seeds are the fastest-growing segment of the overall seeds market; they are becoming more popular to traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and increased productivity. Farmers are using GM seeds to reduce the use of pesticides and improve crop yield. With biotechnological advancements and regulatory approvals, GM seeds are being adopted rapidly across the globe, and especially in the U.S., Brazil, and China. Moreover, the evolution of gene-editing tools (like CRISPR) will accelerate the category of GM seed development with more precision. As the effects of climate become even more pressing, GM seeds will become an even bigger part of the solution for food security globally.

Seed Type Analysis

Cereals and grains dominate the seeds market as the world’s major food crops. Wheat, corn, rice, and sorghum are grown worldwide for both human consumption and animal feed. Corn and rice are among the largest cereals in terms of production due to their respective food processing and biofuel demand. Supported by strong government and cooperative industry support, improved hybrid varieties and continual research and development (R&D) are the backbone of the global seeds market. The continued urbanization and the consequent rising population, as well as the rising population demand for staple foods, will continue to drive investments in this segment. Additionally, advanced seed genetic research and hybridization programs will help farmers increase productivity and obtain better disease resistance.

Seeds Market Share, By Seed Type, 2025 (%)

The fruits and vegetables segment offers the highest growth potential within the seeds market. The rising health consciousness and demand for fresh produce encourage demand for high-quality vegetable and fruit seeds. Short growing cycles and profitability are leading to the popularity of varieties such as tomato, pepper, and lettuce. The shift to organic farming and greenhouse farming is also supporting the rapid growth of the segment. Urban farming and hydroponic systems are opening avenues for demand for fruit and vegetable seeds. There is also an increased demand for fresh produce generating an export market and motivating farmers to purchase high-grade hybrid or disease-free seeds.

Traits Analysis

Herbicide-tolerant (HT) seeds occupy a significant portion of the seeds market because they enable farmers to manage weeds more effectively and reduce manual labor. HT seeds are well suited for large farms that grow soybeans, corn, and cotton. The ability to tolerate specific herbicides gives farmers more time efficiency, cost savings, and cleaner fields. For these reasons HT seeds are dominant choice for commercial farmers around the world. Farmers are increasingly drawn to HT varieties as the need for effective weed control becomes more necessary. Additionally, the development of new herbicide-resistant traits has only facilitated the growing dominance of HT seeds across agricultural regions globally.

Seeds Market Share, By Traits, 2025 (%)

Insecticide-resistant (IR) seeds are the fastest growing trait category in the seeds market. They reduce chemical sprays and protect crops from serious insect pests. The adoption of IR seeds is increasing in the areas of pest infestation and when faced with environmental pressure to reduce pesticide use. Advances in biotechnology are providing seed companies the ability to make multi-trait seeds with pest and stress resistance, further adding to market growth. The growth of this segment is also being driven by greater awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.

Seeds Market Top Companies

• Bayer AG
• Advanta Seeds
• Syngenta Crop Protection AG
• BASF SE
• KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
• FMC Corporation
• Corteva
• Rallis India Limited
• Limagrain
• Sakata Seed Corporation
• Royal Barenbrug Group
• DLF Seeds A/S
• TAKII & CO., LTD.
• Enza Zaden Beheer B.V.

Recent Global Government Initiatives in Seeds Market

OECD Seed Schemes Certified Seeds Globally

• OECD Seed Schemes create a global seed certification system for seed purity and identity, while enhancing the seeds market by improving seed quality, reducing barriers to international trade, and supporting seed producers to meet the increasingly high global standards.

China’s Biotechnology and Seed Self-Reliance Plan (2024–28)

• By 2025, China will implement its new seed policy focused on gene-editing varieties and high-yield varieties for key crops such as corn and wheat. It enhances the seeds market using innovation to drive lower dependence on seeds imports and development of a self-sufficient advanced seeds ecosystem.

CGIAR “Seed Equal” Initiative for Climate Resilient Seeds

• The CGIAR “Seed Equal” program aims to distribute nutritious, climate-resilient seeds to smallholder farmers around the globe. It enhances the seeds market by building seeds reliance on locally adapted varieties and aligning with sustainable agriculture in developing regions.

Global Pledge: International Seed Federation / Seed Sector Declaration

• Seed Sector Declaration brings together governments and the industry worldwide, and assures governments commitment to seed quality and equitable access to quality seeds in the global marketplace. It enhances seeds market through collaboration, access to improved biodiversity, and novel innovations that drive opportunities for new international seed opportunities.

Market Segmentation

By Type

• Genetically Modified Seeds
• Conventional Seeds

By Seed Type

• Cereals and Grains
  
  • Wheat
  • Corn
  • Sorghum
  • Rice
  • Others
• Oilseeds
  
  • Sunflower
  • Soybean
  • Cotton
  • Others
• Fruits and Vegetables
  
  • Onion
  • Brassica
  • Tomatoes
  • Lettuce
  • Lemons
  • Carrot
  • Pepper
  • Others
• Others

By Traits

• Herbicide-Tolerant (HT)
• Insecticide-Resistant (IR)
• Other

By Availability

• Commercial Seeds
• Saved Seeds

By Seed Treatment

• Treated
• Untreated

By Region

• North America
• APAC
• Europe
• LAMEA