Agricultural Biotechnology Market

Agricultural Biotechnology Market Size:

The global agricultural biotechnology market size reached USD 149.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 259.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.31% during 2025-2033. The market is mainly driven by the rising need for enhanced food production, advancements in genetic engineering, growing sustainable farming practices and increasing regulatory support. Innovations like CRISPR, biofertilizers and climate resilient crops, are also contributing positively to the market growth.

Agricultural Biotechnology Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The key market drivers include the rapid increase in global population and the pressing need for increased food production. Advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology are enhancing the crop yields further improving resistance to pests and diseases and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. The rising awareness of environmental conservation and the benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in achieving food security is a significant contributor to market expansion. Furthermore, various government incentives and favorable regulatory frameworks are also contributing positively to the agricultural biotechnology market growth.
• Key Market Trends: Key market trends include the development of CRISPR and other gene editing technologies for precise crop improvement, the expansion of biofertilizers and biopesticides promote sustainable farming and the growing focus toward drought resistant and climate resilient crops. Furthermore, advancements in microbial based products and the integration of digital agriculture and building analytics for enhanced clock management are shaping the market. The rising consumer demand for non-GMO and organic products is also influencing biotechnological innovations in agriculture.
• Geographical Trends: Geographical trends in the market show significant growth in North America mainly driven by its advanced research facilities and strong regulatory support. The market is experiencing significant growth in the Asia Pacific region, primarily due to favorable government initiatives, which, in turn, is supporting the agricultural biotechnology demand. Europe focuses on sustainable and organic farming, influencing biotech developments. Latin America benefits from large agricultural lands and favorable climates for biotech crops. Africa is embracing the biotech technology to address their food security challenges along with the rising investments in biotech research and infrastructure.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the agricultural biotechnology industry include, ADAMA Ltd. (Syngenta Group Co. Ltd.), BASF SE, Bayer AG, DowDuPont, LGC Biosearch Technologies (LGC Ltd.), Performance Plants Inc., Yield10 Bioscience Inc., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The market faces various challenges including regulatory hurdles, public resistance to GMOs, and ethical concerns about genetic modification. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation in non-GMO biotech solutions and transparent communication to educate the public. The market can capitalize on the demand for sustainable agriculture, improved crop resilience to climate change, and enhanced food security. Advances in gene-editing technologies and increased investment in biotech research offer significant potential for overcoming existing barriers and driving the market growth. The agricultural biotechnology market remains promising, driven by technological advancements, the increasing demand for sustainable farming practices. Significant investments in research and development (R&D) are expected to drive the market toward growth.

Agricultural Biotechnology Market Trends:

Rising Prevalence of Digital Farming

Digital farming leverages AI, IoT, and data analytics to transform agriculture by enhancing precision and efficiency. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data for actionable crop management insights. IoT devices, like sensors and drones, monitor real-time field conditions such as soil moisture, temperature, and crop health. Data analytics processes this information, enabling informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. The integration of data analytics that optimizes resource use, boosts crop yields, reduces waste, and promotes sustainable practices is projected to improve productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector. For instance, in July 2024, the Union Finance Minister of India announced the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture, aiming to cover farmers and their lands in three years. The DPI involves innovative farmer-centric digital services, including crop surveys, credit access, and market intelligence. The government allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors.

Advancements in Genetic Engineering and CRISPR Technologies

Genetic engineering and CRISPR technologies are revolutionizing agriculture by allowing precise modifications in crop genomes. The agricultural biotechnology market overview covers the various applications and benefits of this technology. CRISPR, a powerful gene-editing tool, enables targeted changes to DNA, enhancing traits such as yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. Unlike traditional breeding methods, CRISPR offers unparalleled accuracy and efficiency, reducing the time needed to develop improved crop varieties. This technology facilitates the development of crops that can better withstand environmental stresses and pests, leading to more sustainable and productive agricultural practices. The advancements in CRISPR and genetic engineering are pivotal in meeting global food security challenges. For instance, in June 2024, Michigan State University's potato breeder developed a new genetically engineered potato, the Kal91.3. This potato can be stored at cooler temperatures for longer periods and produces healthier and higher-quality potato chips. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has exempted the Kal91.3 potato from biotechnology regulations. This groundbreaking development improves the environmental impact of potato growing and addresses sugar imbalance issues.

Growing Focus on Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture emphasizes practices that improve soil health and sequester carbon, significantly impacting climate change mitigation. Techniques such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation enhance soil structure, increase organic matter, and boost biodiversity. For instance, in July 2024, ADM and Smucker announced a partnership to promote regenerative agriculture in the US peanut value chain. The initiative aims to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and water resources while reducing carbon footprint. Under the 3-year agreement, 20,000 peanut acres per year will be targeted, with a commitment to affiliate 5,000 acres per year with the National Black Growers Council. The collaboration reflects the companies' commitment to sustainable agriculture practices and long-term supply chain sustainability. These methods sequester atmospheric carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving water retention and nutrient cycling. As a result, regenerative practices create more resilient agricultural systems, which, in turn, is expected to facilitate the agricultural biotechnology market revenue generation in the coming years.

Agricultural Biotechnology Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on organism type, technology, and application.

Breakup by Organism Type:

• Plants 
  • Conventional Techniques
  • Established Genetic Modification
  • New Breeding Techniques
• Animals
  • Conventional Techniques
  • Established Genetic Modification
  • New Breeding Techniques
• Microbes 
  • Conventional Techniques
  • Established Genetic Modification
  • New Breeding Techniques
     

Plants accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the organism type. This includes plants (conventional techniques, established genetic modification, and new breeding techniques) animals (conventional techniques, established genetic modification, and new breeding techniques), and microbes (conventional techniques, established genetic modification, and new breeding techniques). According to the report, plants represented the largest segment.

Plants hold the majority of the agricultural biotechnology market share due to their significant role in enhancing crop yields, improving resistance to pests and diseases, and increasing nutritional value. Genetically modified (GM) crops, such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, are widely adopted for their superior traits. Innovations like CRISPR and gene editing technologies further drive this market toward growth, enabling precise modifications to plant genomes. The demand for sustainable agriculture and food security boosts the adoption of biotechnological advancements in plants. For instance, in March 2023, BASF accelerated its agricultural innovation with integrated solutions, focusing on weed management, chemistry, biotech, and data insights. The company strengthened its position as a leading seed company and aimed for a peak sales potential of over €7.5 billion in the next decade.

Breakup by Technology:

• Genome Editing
• Synthetic Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Marker-Assisted Breeding
• Plant Breeding
• Germplasm
• Others
   

Synthetic Biology holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the technology have also been provided in the report. This includes genome editing, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, marker-assisted breeding, plant breeding, germplasm, and others. According to the report, synthetic biology represented the largest segment.

Synthetic biology holds the largest agricultural biotechnology market share mainly due to its transformative potential in enhancing crop productivity and resilience. This sector encompasses genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and synthetic DNA, allowing precise modifications for improved traits. Synthetic biology's innovations drive significant advancements in sustainable agriculture, pest resistance, and yield enhancement. The integration of synthetic biology in agricultural practices is pivotal for addressing global food security challenges and promoting environmentally friendly farming methods. For instance, in May 2024, BASF Agricultural Solutions and Anhui Huaheng Biotechnology announced their partnership to enhance the agricultural nutrition segment in China. BASF's expertise in agriculture and AHB's proficiency in synthetic biology will be combined to develop bio stimulant products that aim to improve crop yield, quality, and resilience. Additionally, a joint lab will be set up to support the development of bio-stimulant products, underscoring their dedication to sustainable agriculture. Such partnerships among the key market players drive the synthetic biology segment, thereby creating in creating a positive agricultural biotechnology market outlook.

Breakup by Application:

• Vaccine Development
• Transgenic Crops and Animals
• Antibiotic Development
• Nutritional Supplements
• Flower Culturing
• Others
   

Vaccine Development represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes vaccine development, transgenic crops and animals, antibiotic development, nutritional supplements, flower culturing, and others. According to the report, vaccine development represented the largest segment.

Vaccine development leads the agricultural biotechnology market by offering innovative solutions to combat diseases in livestock and crops. This segment focuses on creating vaccines that enhance the health and productivity of animals and plants, thereby ensuring food security and safety. For instance, in March 2024, IIT Guwahati successfully transferred a pioneering vaccine technology to BioMed Pvt. Ltd., introducing the first recombinant vaccine for Swine Fever Virus in India. The groundbreaking vaccine offers a swift and cost-effective method for pig vaccination, targeting a highly contagious disease with a very high mortality rate. This development is crucial for curbing the spread of the disease among pigs across breeding farms in India, especially in the northeast. Advanced biotechnological techniques, including genetic engineering and molecular biology, are utilized to develop vaccines that provide targeted protection against pathogens. The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the need to reduce reliance on chemical treatments drive the growth of this segment, solidifying its position as a key area within the market.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest agricultural biotechnology market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for agricultural biotechnology.

According to the agricultural biotechnology market report, North America holds the largest market share due to its advanced infrastructure, significant R&D investments, and favorable regulatory environment. The region's dominance is driven by the widespread adoption of genetically modified crops, cutting-edge biotech innovations, and strong support from government and private sectors. The North America's robust agricultural practices and technological advancements in genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology further bolster its leadership in the market. The presence of key industry players and a well-established supply chain also contribute to North America's prominent position in the global market. For instance, in June 2024, Bayer announced their plans to launch ten blockbuster products in the next ten years, each expected to contribute over 500 million euros to the over 32 billion euros peak sales potential. The company aims to scale regenerative agriculture on more than 400 million acres globally and double its accessible market to over 200 billion euros. With an unparalleled R&D pipeline, Bayer is driving the transformation to regenerative agriculture through three pillars, including key collaborations on technologies like gene editing and biological solutions. Such pivotal initiatives by the key players are expected to have a positive impact agricultural biotechnology market forecast across the region.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the agricultural biotechnology industry include ADAMA Ltd. (Syngenta Group Co. Ltd.), BASF SE, Bayer AG, DowDuPont, LGC Biosearch Technologies (LGC Ltd.), Performance Plants Inc., Yield10 Bioscience Inc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• The market is highly competitive, driven by leading companies such as Bayer, BASF, and Syngenta, which dominate through extensive R&D and innovative product pipelines. These agricultural biotechnology companies focus on developing genetically modified crops, advanced crop protection solutions, and digital farming technologies. Their strategic partnerships, significant investments in sustainability, and technological advancements position them as key players. For instance, in June 2024, Syngenta Group announced the opening of rights to selected genome-editing and breeding technologies for global academic research through its innovation collaboration platform Shoots by Syngenta. This move aims to boost agricultural innovation and sustainability. Syngenta is offering improved CRISPR-based technologies to accelerate crop improvement, inviting universities and academic institutions worldwide to contribute to driving innovation in agriculture. New entrants and regional firms also contribute to market dynamics, emphasizing niche technologies and localized solutions. The competition fosters continuous innovation, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability globally.

Agricultural Biotechnology Market Recent Developments:

• In May 2024, Syngenta's ADEPIDYN® technology, a potent fungicide, has been approved in over 55 countries. Strong sales reflect global farmer demand for this innovative technology which effectively combats fungal diseases and offers sustainable crop protection. It is expected to achieve one billion US dollars in sales within eight years, showcasing its success. Syngenta's commitment to sustainable innovation is evident in its development of ADEPIDYN® technology, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in agricultural technology.
• In October 2023, BASF announced their plans to invest a high double-digit million euro amount in a new fermentation plant at its Ludwigshafen site. The facility, slated for commissioning in the second half of 2025, will focus on producing biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products. The investment aims to strengthen BASF's portfolio in response to the growing demand for biological crop protection products. This move is also aligned with BASF's transition toward innovative, energy-efficient production processes utilizing renewable raw materials.

Agricultural Biotechnology Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global agricultural biotechnology market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global agricultural biotechnology market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global agricultural biotechnology market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive agricultural biotechnology market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the organism type?
• Which is the most attractive organism type in the agricultural biotechnology market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the technology?
• Which is the most attractive technology in the agricultural biotechnology market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the application?
• Which is the most attractive application in the agricultural biotechnology market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the region?
• Which is the most attractive region in the agricultural biotechnology market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global agricultural biotechnology market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the agricultural biotechnology market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global agricultural biotechnology market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the agricultural biotechnology industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.