Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market Size 2025-2029
The genetically modified (GMO) food market size is valued to increase USD 50.5 billion, at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2029. High demand for crop production will drive the genetically modified (GMO) food market.
Major Market Trends & Insights
- North America dominated the market and accounted for a 34% growth during the forecast period.
- By Type - Vegetables segment was valued at USD 37.00 billion in 2023
- By Product Type - Herbicide tolerance (HT) segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023
Market Size & Forecast
- Market Opportunities: USD 71.26 billion
- Market Future Opportunities: USD 50.50 billion
- CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 7.2%
Market Summary
- In the realm of agriculture, the market continues to be a focal point of innovation and controversy. With a global value surpassing USD 27 billion in 2020, this sector's growth is driven by the relentless demand for efficient crop production and the advancements in gene-editing technologies. However, the market's trajectory is not without challenges. The rise of organic food products, fueled by consumer preferences for natural and unaltered produce, poses a significant hurdle. As the industry navigates this complex landscape, it remains crucial for stakeholders to stay informed and adapt to the evolving market dynamics. Gene-editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are revolutionizing agriculture by enabling precise modifications to plant DNA, enhancing resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.
- Despite the potential benefits, public perception and regulatory frameworks continue to shape the market's future. As the GMO food market continues to evolve, experts anticipate a blend of innovation and regulation, ensuring sustainable and efficient food production while addressing consumer concerns.
What will be the Size of the Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market during the forecast period?
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How is the Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market Segmented ?
The genetically modified (GMO) food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
- Type
- Vegetables
- Crops
- Fruits
- Animal products
- Product Type
- Herbicide tolerance (HT)
- Insect resistance (IR)
- Stacked traits (ST)
- Crop Type
- Soybean
- Maize
- Cotton
- Canola
- Others
- Application
- Food
- Feed
- Pharmaceutical
- Industrial
- Biofuel
- Modification Technique
- Gene Editing
- Genetic Engineering
- Molecular Breeding
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Middle East and Africa
- South Africa
- UAE
- APAC
- Australia
- China
- India
- Japan
- South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Type Insights
The vegetables segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Genetically modified food production continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development in various areas. Biotechnology patents and intellectual property rights play a significant role in shaping the market, as companies invest in gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and molecular breeding to create transgenic crops with desirable traits. These traits include pest resistance genes, herbicide tolerance genes, and nutritional enhancement, which contribute to increased yield and productivity metrics. For instance, in January 2024, Nigeria approved the commercial release of four TELA maize varieties, which boast insect resistance and drought tolerance, potentially increasing global food supply. Meanwhile, gene stacking techniques and marker-assisted selection are used to improve crop productivity and ensure genetic diversity.
The Vegetables segment was valued at USD 37.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
However, public perception and environmental risk assessment remain crucial factors in consumer acceptance of GMOs. Regulatory approval processes, such as food safety assessments and allergenicity testing, are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of these food sources. With ongoing advancements in DNA sequencing technologies and gene modification techniques, the GMO food market continues to innovate, providing farmers with valuable tools for effective farm management practices.
Regional Analysis
North America is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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The genetically modified food market in North America is experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and urbanization. Innovations in genetic engineering technologies, including CRISPR and other genome editing tools, have streamlined the development of GMO foods with desirable traits, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, drought resistance, and enhanced nutritional content. These attributes have gained traction among farmers and consumers, fueling market expansion. Regulatory bodies in the US and Canada, like the USDA, FDA, and CFIA, play a crucial role in facilitating the development, approval, and commercialization of GMO crops through supportive frameworks.
The North American genetically modified food market is projected to grow at a steady pace, reaching a significant value by 2027. This expansion is a testament to the market's robustness and the potential of GMO foods to address agricultural challenges and meet consumer demands.
Market Dynamics
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The market is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in genetic engineering, particularly in the development of crops with enhanced traits. One such trait is herbicide tolerance in genetically modified soybeans, which has increased agricultural efficiency by reducing the need for manual weeding. In the realm of insect resistance, genetically engineered maize and cotton have shown remarkable success, with the latter expressing the Bt gene for bollworm resistance. Transgenic rice is another area of focus, with efforts underway to enhance its nutritional content through genetic modification. Similarly, the oil from genetically modified canola has seen improvements in fatty acid composition, providing healthier alternatives for consumers. Potatoes are being engineered for pest resistance, with field trials underway to assess their effectiveness. Tomatoes are being genetically modified to extend their shelf life, while transgenic alfalfa is being assessed for herbicide tolerance. Soybean yield improvement is being pursued through the use of genetic markers, while molecular breeding is being employed to enhance wheat's drought tolerance. Rice is being engineered for disease resistance through gene stacking, and genetically modified sugarcane is being developed to increase sugar content. Consumer perception and public acceptance of GMO food remain key challenges, with labeling becoming a contentious issue. Regulatory approval processes for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are stringent, with food safety testing methodologies being rigorously employed to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products. Gene editing technologies and plant transformation methods are continually evolving to improve crop yield and resilience, while DNA sequencing technologies and genetic mapping are essential tools in the quest for precise genetic modifications. Environmental risk assessments are also a critical aspect of the regulatory approval process for transgenic crops.
In the evolving Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market, advancements in biotechnology continue to transform agricultural productivity, crop resilience, and nutritional value. A primary area of focus is genetically modified soybean herbicide tolerance, which enables farmers to manage weeds more effectively with targeted herbicides, thereby reducing crop competition and improving yields. Another widely adopted trait is maize insect resistance genetic engineering, which has significantly reduced crop losses by targeting pests like the European corn borer and rootworm. This approach reduces the need for chemical pesticides and contributes to more sustainable farming practices.
In the realm of food security and nutrition, transgenic rice nutritional content enhancement is a breakthrough innovation. By introducing genes for key micronutrients, such as provitamin A in golden rice, scientists aim to address malnutrition in regions dependent on rice as a staple food. Similarly, GMO canola oil fatty acid composition has been tailored to produce healthier oil profiles, including reduced saturated fats and increased omega-3 content. These modifications not only improve health benefits but also extend shelf life and thermal stability for cooking.
In root and tuber crops, potatoes pest resistance field trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of genetic modifications against common threats like the Colorado potato beetle, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical controls. On the consumer side, tomato shelf life genetic modification has been used to delay ripening and reduce spoilage, supporting longer distribution and reduced food waste. Fiber and feed crops have also benefited from genetic advancements. Cotton bollworm resistance gene expression has been pivotal in reducing pest pressure, pesticide usage, and crop damage. Likewise, GMO alfalfa herbicide tolerance assessment has enabled more efficient weed management in forage systems, improving overall feed quality for livestock.
Improving agricultural output through targeted breeding is another key goal, as seen in soybean yield improvement genetic markers. Marker-assisted selection allows for faster and more precise breeding of high-yielding soybean varieties, optimized for different growing environments. Climate resilience is being tackled through wheat drought tolerance molecular breeding, which incorporates traits to help plants survive under limited water conditions. These efforts are essential in mitigating the impacts of climate change on global food systems.
In rice cultivation, rice disease resistance gene stacking combines multiple resistance genes to provide broader and more durable protection against bacterial and fungal diseases, helping to ensure stable production. Finally, genetically modified sugarcane sugar content is being explored to increase sucrose concentration and processing efficiency, thereby improving profitability and meeting industrial demand for biofuels and sweeteners.
As research continues to evolve, these genetic innovations are playing a crucial role in addressing global challenges related to food production, nutrition, sustainability, and climate resilience in the GMO food market.
What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Industry?
- The high demand for crop production is the primary factor driving the market's growth, as agricultural output is essential to meet the increasing global food requirements.
- Genetically modified (GMO) crops have become a vital solution in the agricultural sector, addressing the challenges of increasing food production while conserving resources. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, global food production must rise by approximately 70% by 2050 to feed a burgeoning population. To meet this demand, farmers need to produce more food on the same land, with fewer water and other resources. GMO crops, engineered to yield higher quantities, resist pests and diseases, and tolerate environmental stresses, have been adopted widely across the globe.
- For instance, transgenic cotton and soybean varieties accounted for 52% and 94% of their respective global production in 2019, respectively. These statistics underscore the significance of GMOs in enhancing agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainable farming practices.
What are the market trends shaping the Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Industry?
- The emerging trend in the market involves innovations in gene-editing technologies. Gene-editing technologies are experiencing significant advancements and gaining popularity in various industries.
- Genetically modified food production has experienced significant advancements due to innovations in gene-editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9. This technology offers precise modifications to DNA, targeting specific genes with great accuracy, thereby reducing off-target effects and increasing the efficiency of genetic modifications. CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables the introduction of beneficial traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content in genetically modified foods. This groundbreaking technology accelerates the development of new GMO crops by significantly shortening the time required for genetic modifications and trait validation. According to recent estimates, the global genetically modified food market is expected to reach a value of over USD 25 billion by 2027, growing at a steady pace due to the increasing adoption of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9.
- Another gene-editing technology, CRISPR/Cas9, has shown promising results in improving the yield and quality of various crops, making it a game-changer in the agricultural sector.
What challenges does the Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Industry face during its growth?
- The organic food industry faces significant growth challenges due to surging demand for organic food products.
- The market has undergone significant evolution, expanding its reach across various sectors. Factors driving this growth include increasing consumer awareness and demand for healthier food options. Approximately 40% of consumers in the US prefer non-GMO food, while Europe's organic food market is projected to reach a value of € 120 billion by 2025, growing at a steady pace. These trends reflect a rise in health-conscious individuals and growing environmental concerns. Genetically modified foods, which involve altering an organism's genetic material in a lab, contrast with organic food products, which are produced from organically grown crops without modifications. The organic food sector's growth is further fueled by consumer awareness of potential health benefits and the desire for food that is free from synthetic pesticides and genetic modification.
- The distribution of GMO food to the retail sector also caters to the needs of health-conscious consumers, offering them a choice between modified and non-modified food options.
Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape
The genetically modified (GMO) food market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the genetically modified (GMO) food market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape of Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Industry
Competitive Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, genetically modified (GMO) food market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
BASF SE - The company specializes in the production and distribution of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for global agriculture, including maize, soy, cotton, canola, sugarcane, and sugar beet.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- Cibus
- Corteva Inc.
- FMC Corp.
- Groupe Limagrain
- JK Agri Genetics Ltd.
- KWS SAAT SE and Co. KGaA
- Rallis India Ltd.
- Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd.
- Sakata Seed Corp.
- Stine Seed Co.
- Syngenta Crop Protection AG
- Terranova Seeds Australia
- UPL Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Recent Development and News in Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market
- In January 2024, Monsanto Company, a leading agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation, announced the US Department of Agriculture's approval of its genetically modified (GMO) soybean variety, MON 87460 x MON 89788, resistant to both glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides (Monsanto press release, 2024).
- In March 2024, Syngenta AG, a Swiss agrochemical company, and Bayer AG, a German life sciences and pharmaceutical company, finalized their merger, creating a new entity, Syngenta-Bayer, with a combined revenue of € 31.5 billion in 2023 (Bayer press release, 2024). This merger aimed to strengthen their position in the GMO seed market.
- In May 2024, the European Commission approved the renewal of Monsanto's glyphosate license for another ten years, despite controversy surrounding its potential health risks (European Commission press release, 2024). This approval was a significant regulatory milestone for the GMO food industry in Europe.
- In April 2025, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, a business unit of DowDuPont, and Danisco A/S, a Danish food ingredients company, announced their strategic partnership to develop non-GMO and GMO corn sweeteners, aiming to expand their market offerings and cater to diverse customer preferences (DuPont press release, 2025).
Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market insights. See full methodology.
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Market Scope |
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Page number |
215 |
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Base year |
2024 |
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Historic period |
2019-2023 |
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Forecast period |
2025-2029 |
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Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.2% |
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Market growth 2025-2029 |
USD 50.5 billion |
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
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YoY growth 2024-2025(%) |
6.7 |
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Key countries |
US, China, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Argentina, India, France, South Africa, Australia, Germany, UAE, and Rest of World |
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Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Research Analyst Overview
- The genetically modified food market continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development in various sectors. Biotechnology patents and intellectual property rights play a significant role in shaping the industry, as companies invest in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and molecular breeding to create new GMO crop traits. These innovations offer solutions for food security strategies, including nutritional enhancement, pest resistance genes, and herbicide tolerance genes. For instance, transgenic crop development using gene stacking techniques has led to a 22% increase in yield for some farmers. This progress is crucial in addressing the challenges of global food supply and sustainable agriculture.
- However, public perception of GMOs remains a concern, necessitating rigorous food safety assessments, toxicity studies, and allergenicity testing. Moreover, regulatory approval processes and environmental risk assessments are essential components of the market, ensuring the safe and responsible implementation of gene modification techniques. The industry anticipates continued growth, with expectations of a 10% annual expansion in the coming years. Phenotyping methods, genomic selection, and yield data analysis are critical tools in the development of new GMO crops. Plant transformation methods, such as gene modification techniques, enable the integration of desirable traits, while bioinformatics tools facilitate the analysis of DNA sequencing data.
- As the market unfolds, farm management practices continue to adapt, integrating these advancements into their operations to improve crop productivity metrics and address the challenges of a changing agricultural landscape.
What are the Key Data Covered in this Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market Research and Growth Report?
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What is the expected growth of the Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market between 2025 and 2029?
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USD 50.5 billion, at a CAGR of 7.2%
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What segmentation does the market report cover?
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The report is segmented by Type (Vegetables, Crops, Fruits, and Animal products), Product Type (Herbicide tolerance (HT), Insect resistance (IR), and Stacked traits (ST)), Crop Type (Soybean, Maize, Cotton, Canola, and Others), Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa), Application (Food, Feed, Pharmaceutical, Industrial, and Biofuel), and Modification Technique (Gene Editing, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Breeding, Gene Editing, Genetic Engineering, and Molecular Breeding)
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Which regions are analyzed in the report?
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North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
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What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?
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High demand for crop production, Increase in demand for organic food products
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Who are the major players in the Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market?
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BASF SE, Bayer AG, Cibus, Corteva Inc., FMC Corp., Groupe Limagrain, JK Agri Genetics Ltd., KWS SAAT SE and Co. KGaA, Rallis India Ltd., Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Sakata Seed Corp., Stine Seed Co., Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Terranova Seeds Australia, and UPL Ltd.
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Market Research Insights
- The market for genetically modified foods continues to evolve, with seed producers implementing advanced techniques to address various agricultural challenges. For instance, water conservation is achieved through the development of drought-tolerant crops, which accounted for 15% of global seed sales in 2021. Furthermore, industry growth is anticipated to reach 7% annually over the next decade due to the integration of gene expression profiling, nutrient content enhancement, and disease resistance in crops.
- An example of the market's impact can be seen in herbicide efficacy improvements, resulting in a 20% increase in soybean production in certain regions.
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