The global genetic plant modification market is poised for substantial growth, projected to increase from USD 8.91 billion in 2025 to USD 13.86 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.2%. With the global population forecasted to hit 9.8 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable and efficient food production is intensifying. This pressure is accelerating innovation in plant modification technologies, particularly genome editing techniques like CRISPR.
What is the connection between technological innovation in agriculture and global food security goals?
Rising food security concerns are prompting the development of crops that are high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient. Biotechnological advances, such as CRISPR-based genome editing and marker-assisted selection, are enabling faster and more precise crop improvements. These methods are complementing traditional breeding techniques, which continue to be integral to the development of resilient crop varieties.
Technological progress has significantly improved breeding efficiency. CRISPR, in particular, has emerged as a precise and cost-effective method for trait enhancement, and its ability to edit genomes without introducing foreign DNA is reducing regulatory obstacles in many regions. Hybrid breeding has also gained traction, allowing companies to develop superior seed varieties that support global goals around food security and agricultural sustainability.
Increased R&D investment and public-private partnerships are fueling further innovation in the sector. Companies are focusing on key crop categories such as cereals, oilseeds, and vegetables to meet growing market demands.
Conventional Breeding Retains Strong Market Share
Despite the rise of advanced technologies, conventional breeding continues to command a significant share of the genetic plant modification industry. Its long-established methodologies, regulatory ease, and widespread use by seed companies make it the preferred option for many staple crops. In markets where regulatory scrutiny around genetic modification is high, conventional breeding offers a practical, lower-cost alternative for seed development.
Genome Editing to Lead Growth Among Biotechnology Methods
Among biotechnological methods, genome editing is expected to be the fastest-growing segment through 2030. CRISPR’s efficiency in altering plant traits without foreign DNA integration is driving greater market acceptance. As regulatory frameworks evolve, countries such as Japan, India, and the Philippines have implemented policies that differentiate genome-edited crops from traditional GMOs, allowing for faster commercialization and reduced compliance costs.
Learn more by downloading the PDF copy
Asia Pacific to Register Highest Regional Growth
The Asia Pacific region is projected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period in the genetic plant modification market. Rapid population growth, climatic stress, and increasing food demand are pushing governments and private entities to adopt cutting-edge plant modification technologies. Regulatory reforms are also playing a crucial role in this growth. India’s exemption of certain gene-edited crops from GMO regulations and Japan’s approval of multiple gene-edited products underscore the region’s progressive stance.
Investments in biotechnology infrastructure, along with collaboration between research institutions and agribusinesses, are expanding the application of genetic plant modification technologies. The region’s push for sustainable agriculture and reduced chemical use is further reinforcing the demand for improved crop varieties.
Leading Companies in the Genetic Plant Modification Market
- Bayer AG (Germany)
- Corteva (US)
- Syngenta Group (Switzerland)
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA (Germany)
- Limagrain (France)
- BASF (Germany)
- UPL (India)
- Beijing Dabeinong Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (China)
- SAKATA SEED CORPORATION (Japan)
As the global agricultural landscape evolves, the genetic plant modification market is expected to remain at the forefront of efforts to enhance food security, environmental sustainability, and crop productivity.
