The global plant breeding and CRISPR plants market is projected to grow significantly, estimated at USD 8.91 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 13.86 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. This growth is largely driven by increasing food security concerns as the global population rises, projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations (UN). To sustain food production, farmers need high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient crops, leading to advancements in plant breeding and CRISPR technologies. Genome editing and genetic engineering are expediting crop improvements, while conventional breeding continues to play a crucial role in developing resilient crop varieties.
Regional Insights: South America Leads Growth
South America is anticipated to experience significant growth in the plant breeding and CRISPR plants market. Argentina and Brazil, two of the region’s leading producers of genetically modified crops, benefit from supportive regulatory frameworks and large-scale commercial farming. The region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and irregular rainfall, heightens the need for climate-resilient crop varieties. Government policies promoting biotechnological advancements in plant breeding further support market expansion. Additionally, the growing use of genome editing in key crops such as soybeans and corn is a crucial driver of this regional growth.
Market Segmentation: Cereals & Grains Lead the Way
Among different application segments, cereals and grains hold the largest share in the plant breeding and CRISPR plants market. Staple crops such as wheat, rice, and corn are in high demand globally, particularly in densely populated regions like Asia Pacific and Africa. Food security in these regions depends heavily on these crops. Advances in genome editing and molecular breeding have facilitated the development of disease-resistant and nutrient-rich varieties. Government initiatives in North America and Asia Pacific further support the production of high-yield cereals, strengthening this segment’s dominance in the market.
Emerging Trends: Temperature & Stress Tolerance Traits on the Rise
The temperature and stress tolerance trait segment is projected to witness the fastest growth in the plant breeding and CRISPR plants market during the forecasted period. Rising global temperatures and extreme weather conditions are increasingly impacting crop productivity. Scientists are employing conventional breeding and genetic engineering techniques to enhance plants’ ability to withstand high temperatures without compromising yield. Recent advancements in genome editing have enabled precise alterations in plant DNA to improve heat tolerance. With climate change driving more frequent heatwaves, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, investments in breeding technologies focused on stress-tolerant traits are expected to rise significantly.
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Key Drivers: Technological Advancements in Plant Breeding & CRISPR
Innovations in plant breeding, particularly CRISPR-based genome editing, are driving market expansion. Compared to traditional breeding methods, CRISPR technology offers a precise, cost-effective, and efficient means of enhancing crop traits. In some countries, regulations have eased for CRISPR-based modifications that do not introduce foreign DNA, leading to increased adoption. Molecular breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection, have further improved breeding efficiency, enabling companies to develop better crop varieties at a faster pace. Hybrid breeding methods have also contributed to market growth by producing high-performance seeds with superior traits. These technological advancements play a critical role in addressing food security and sustainability challenges worldwide.
Leading Market Players
The report profiles key players in the plant breeding and CRISPR plants market, including:
- Bayer AG (Germany)
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA (Germany)
- Corteva (US)
- BASF (Germany)
- UPL (India)
- Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V. (Netherlands)
- Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg)
- SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA (Switzerland)
- Sanatech Seed Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Pairwise (US)
Recent Developments in the Market
- February 2025: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA (Germany) introduced new combination varieties that integrate the CONVISO SMART system with high Cercospora protection (CR+), reinforcing its market position in the sugarbeet seed industry. These varieties were introduced in several European markets, with further expansion planned.
- January 2025: Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, a division of Syngenta Group (Switzerland), signed a global licensing partnership with Apricus Seeds (US). This deal grants Syngenta exclusive access to Apricus’ melon, squash, and watermelon germplasm, enhancing its cucurbits portfolio.
- November 2024: Hazera, a brand by Limagrain (France), inaugurated a high-tech R&D tomato greenhouse in Made, the Netherlands, near its headquarters. The nearly 5-hectare facility aims to enhance research on disease-resistant, high-yield tomato varieties. The greenhouse, repurposed from a commercial operation, aligns with Hazera’s sustainability goals and leverages innovative breeding techniques to drive global advancements in tomato production.
The global plant breeding and CRISPR plants market is poised for substantial growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing food security concerns, and supportive government policies. South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil, is expected to lead regional expansion, while cereals and grains remain the dominant crop segment. With climate change intensifying, the demand for temperature and stress-tolerant traits is expected to rise, fostering continued investments in breeding technologies. As key players continue to innovate and expand their portfolios, the market is set for a transformative decade, shaping the future of agricultural biotechnology.