Vegetable Seed Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global vegetable seed market reached a value of USD 8.92 billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.46% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. The market is driven by a growing demand for food security due to increasing population, popularity of digital farming, and growing research and development expenditure by seed producers. These factors are the key drivers of the vegetable seed market, thus aiding the market in attaining a valuation of USD 15.18 billion by 2034.

Global Vegetable Seed Market Overview

The global vegetable seed market continues to grow with increasing demand for food security due to increasing population, innovation in seed technology, and growing research and development expenditure by seed producers and governments of the USA, China and India. Agritech innovations are gaining popularity, aiding the global vegetable seed market growth.

There is a growing trend of hybridisation of seeds to improve the grain qualities, reduce pest incidence and increase the overall crop productivity. By 2050, global food production is projected to increase by 70% compared to 2005-07. Additionally, the growing popularity of protected agriculture supports the vegetable seed demand. Protected agriculture enables the cultivation of high-value vegetables and horticultural crops in greenhouses, allowing farmers to grow cash crops in water-scarce, non-arable areas where traditional farming is impractical. This technology, originally developed and tested by ICARDA in the Arabian Peninsula, has been adapted and successfully used in smallholder farming systems in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen.

Seed technology is gaining traction to enhance seed performance, physical purity, germination and plant health. By improving yield and helping growers optimise the use of agricultural land, seed technologies contribute to global food security. Key technologies include PPP loading analysis, Heubach Technology and DNA Technology. In 2024, more than 96 million hectares of agricultural land were managed organically by at least 4.5 million farmers. Non-GMO seeds help to protect organic farms by reducing the risk of contamination.

Figure: Key Countries with Largest Organic Farming Land (Million Acre), 2022

Global Vegetable Seed Market Growth

The global vegetable seed market development is supported by the expansion in agricultural production and growth in agricultural research and development expenditure.

The higher demand for food grains drives the vegetable seed market. During the 2017-2022 period, global vegetable production grew by 1.2% per year, thus, expanding opportunities for vegetable seed producers. By 2050, 90% of global crop production growth (80% in developing countries) is projected to come from higher yields and cropping intensity. Arable land will increase by 70 million ha (under 5%), with developing countries adding 120 million ha (12%), offset by a 50 million ha (8%) decline in developed nations. Most expansion is expected to occur in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, aiding the vegetable seed demand in such regions.

The expanding vegan population is set to drive market growth, with increasing consumer preference for plant-based diets. By 2030, the plant-based food industry is projected to capture a substantial share of the global protein market, reaching an estimated value of USD 162 billion. This growth is fueled by rising health awareness, sustainability concerns, and advancements in plant-based food innovation, further strengthening demand for high-quality vegetable seeds.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Technological advances, product development, and innovation in digital farming drive global vegetable seed market expansion.

February 2025

Axia's open-field vegetable seed company, which specializes in crops like tomatoes, peppers, melons, and cucumbers, was fully acquired by Namdhari Seeds. Brands including California Hybrids, Catalyst Seeds, New World Seeds, and US Agriseeds are part of this deal.

August 2024

Thailand’s leading innovative agricultural company, Chia Tai Seed by Chia Tai Company Limited, developed and prioritised high-quality seed varieties in a bid to successfully solidify the company’s position as a market leader both in Thailand and across Asia. The company offers renowned seed varieties, such as the Sonya Plus Watermelon, Meya Watermelon, Thumb Up Watermelon, Thong Ampai Pumpkin, or Thong Amphan Pumpkin, each distinguished by its own unique characteristics and strong selling points.

July 2024

East-West Seed, Kenya, announced the launch of the Tomato Harmony F1 variety in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. This event marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s agricultural sector, underscoring East-West Seed’s commitment to enhancing crop production and supporting local farmers. The event showcased its superior fruit firmness and longer shelf life and also emphasised key factors that could enhance marketability and reduce post-harvest waste.

March 2024

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds and Emerald Seed Co. signed a licensing agreement that aims to provide Syngenta exclusive access to Emerald Seed’s genetics. Specifically, this partnership will allow Syngenta to continue investing in advancing onion seed germplasm and strengthen its offering in onion seeds. Emerald Seed Co. breeds open-pollinated and hybrid varieties across a variety of crops, including broccoli, cucumbers, and onions.

Integration of farming technologies

The incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning plays a crucial role in modern plant breeding. These technologies can accurately predict seed quality parameters such as germination rate, vigor, and disease resistance.

Popularity of hybridisation and non-GMO seeds

Hybrid seeds improve the characteristics of the resulting plants, such as better yield, greater uniformity, improved color, and disease resistance. Additionally, non-GMO seeds accelerate the production of more resilient, productive crops.

Expansion through E-Commerce

Seed producers are expanding their distribution channels through e-commerce. For instance, in October 2023, Sakata Seed Corporation announced the launch of an e-commerce platform for vegetable seeds to facilitate access to its products, promoting efficiency and modernisation.

Government Schemes for Seeds

Governments around the world are emphasising food security. As a result, seed and vegetable seed-related schemes and regulations are gaining momentum. For instance, in the USA, the Federal Seed Act regulates the interstate commerce of agricultural and vegetable seeds, mandating accurate labeling and prohibiting the sale of mislabeled or contaminated seeds. It includes the kind of seed, germination rate, inert matter and labelling requirements.

Global Vegetable Seed Market Trends

The latest trend in the global vegetable seed market include the expansion in agricultural land and the growing popularity of protected agriculture. The expansion in global agriculture land has correlated with the population growth over the years. Between 1961 and 2020, global agricultural output surged fourfold, driven by advancements in farming techniques, mechanization, and improved seed varieties. During the same period, agricultural land expanded by 7.6%, reflecting efforts to meet rising food demand. By 2020, agricultural land accounted for 32% of the world's total land area, highlighting the sector's critical role in sustaining global food production.

Digital farming is gaining traction to increase efficiency in the field and optimises the planting area, standardising the distance between seeds and allowing increased productivity in the same area. For instance, Syngenta AG has employed cutting-edge technologies, such as the company's flagship Cropwise platform to support sustainable farming and improve productivity.

Global Vegetable Seed Market Opportunities

Vegetables serve as rich sources of vitamins, plant-based protein, fibre, and antioxidants. The consumers' growing demand for healthy eating drives the demand for vegetable seeds. In 2023, the largest vegetable-producing country, China's vegetable output reached 828.68 million tons, compared to 700 million tons in 2018. Additionally, the rural revitalisation strategy and the construction of green agricultural products in China support the demand for vegetable seeds.

Organic vegetable cultivation represents a sustainable farming system that enhances long-term soil health while ensuring consistent and stable production. In 2023, more than 76 million hectares of agricultural land were managed organically by at least 3.7 million farmers globally. In 2022, Australia owned the largest organic agricultural land with a total area of 53 million acre.

Public investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) plays a key role in enhancing global food security and environmental sustainability. Governments worldwide are increasing funding to drive innovation, improve productivity, and develop sustainable farming practices. In 2023, the U.S. allocated USD 2.8 billion to agricultural R&D, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing crop yields, precision farming, and resilient food systems. This investment is expected to support long-term growth in agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Global Vegetable Seed Market Restraints

Global vegetable seed market challenges include high cost, long seed development cycles, and irregular weather conditions.

Vegetable seed production requires long development cycles including specific care in pre-harvest stages, such as isolation and roguing, during harvesting and extraction, and post-harvest operations such as drying, processing, packaging and storage. As a result, most vegetable seeds are considered high value and low volume compared to other field crops.

Vegetable Seed Industry Segmentation

“Vegetable Seed Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

On the basis of type, the market can be divided into the following:

• Open Pollinated Varieties
• Hybrid

On the basis of crop type, the market can be divided into the following:

• Solanaceae
• Root and Bulb
• Cucurbit
• Brassica
• Leafy
• Others

On the basis of cultivation method, the market can be divided into the following:

• Protected
• Open Field

Based on region, the market can be segregated into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Analysis by Type

Hybrid is expected to hold a significant share in the global vegetable seed market report due to the growing demand for food security. Growing research and development (R&D) spending has resulted in successful developments of hybrids over the years. Hybrid seeds or F1 seeds are a result of cross pollination. These seeds have a better chance of survival, and the yield is much higher. The growth in population aids the demand for food security. As a result, demand for such seeds is growing. By 2050, global food production is projected to increase by 70% compared to 2005-07.

Market Analysis by Crop Type

The Solanaceae, also known as the potato or deadly nightshade family, contains some of the world’s most important food plants, including the potato, tomato, peppers, and eggplant. Advancement in the production of potato seeds, aids the market.

In June 2024, Bayer and Solynta partnered to commercialise and distribute true potato seeds in Kenya and India. This collaboration marks Bayer's entry into the global potato market. Growers can now start a crop with just 25 grams of the true potato seeds per hectare, a significant reduction from the previous requirement of 2,500 kg of perishable seed tubers.

Market Analysis by Cultivation Method

Protected agriculture is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast year. Protected agriculture includes structures ranging from basic polytunnels to sophisticated greenhouses, which enhance production intensity and seed prices. Protected agriculture lowers the carbon footprint by shortening food transport distances, ensuring fresher produce with faster farm-to-market delivery.

Countries such as China, India, Spain, Mexico, and Japan lead in the adoption of protected agriculture, driving higher yields compared to open-field production methods.

Global Vegetable Seed Market Regional Insights

North America Vegetable Seed Market Dynamics

The growing demand for organically produced vegetables in North America drives the vegetable seed industry growth. In the U.S., the demand for high-quality vegetable seeds is rising as farmers seek improved crop yields, disease resistance, and better adaptability to changing environmental conditions.

In 2023, U.S. organic fruits and vegetable sales reached USD 20.5 billion, and Canada’s organic sector had a farm-gate value of USD 174.3 million, driving the adoption of organic farming practices, thus pushing the demand for organic vegetable seeds, supporting vegetable seed market growth.

Europe Vegetable Seed Market Dynamics

As per the vegetable seed market analysis, the market is expanding in Europe due to the innovations in farming such as greenhouse farming, and climate-resilient vegetable production and breeding programs.

The share of EU agricultural land under organic farming increased by more than 50% over the period 2012-2020, with an annual increase of 5.7%. Organic area made up 10.5 % of total EU agricultural land in 2022. Furthermore, in 2023, France’s greenhouse sector managed 1,130 hectares of space, significantly contributing to the country’s agricultural output, and driving the vegetable seed demand growth by increasing demand for seeds varieties optimised for controlled growing environments.

Asia Pacific Vegetable Seed Market Opportunities

The Asia Pacific vegetable seed market is expanding due to the presence of large agricultural land in countries such as China, India and Australia and the growth in food demand coupled with expanding population.

As per 2023 data, Asia-Pacific holds the most agricultural area globally with 1.68 billion hectares. China presented over 600 new vegetable varieties, including cucumbers, tomatoes, chilies, purple peppers, and eggplants, at the 25th Shouguang Sci-Tech Fair. This reflects efforts to reduce seed imports, with 15% still sourced externally. The government supports domestic breeding programs to strengthen food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

From 2005 - 2020, a total of 14,366 hectares of greenhouses have been established across India of which vegetables occupy 60% of the total greenhouse area. This trend underscores the growing demand for vegetable seeds that can thrive in optimised, climate-controlled conditions, driving the need for high-performance seed varieties.

Latin America Vegetable Seed Market Insights

The Latin America vegetable seed market is gaining traction due to the growing popularity of government initiatives promoting modern agriculture. Furthermore, a diverse climate and expanding population also drives the demand for premium and climate-resilient seeds.

A rise in government support and increasing focus on genetic improvements in Brazil is expected to boost the growth of the vegetable seed market. In August 2024, the government of Brazil announced USD 88.2 billion allocation in Brazil's 2024/25 Crop Plan, which reflects growing agricultural financing to support farmers struggling with challenging market conditions.

Middle East and Africa Vegetable Seed Market Drivers

The Middle East and Africa vegetable seed market is driven by rising food demand and expansion of protected agriculture. The expected MEA’s population of 3.4 billion by 2025 is expected to drive the market. In December 2024, Topian launched its first AI-driven greenhouse in Saudi Arabia, set to produce nearly 4,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually.

A growing demand for protected and open field vegetable seeds in Saudi Arabia drives the vegetable seed demand forecast. The demand for greenhouse vegetable seeds in Saudi Arabia primarily focuses on seeds for tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, peppers, and sweet peppers. Additionally, there is significant demand for open-field seeds, including those for pumpkins, zucchinis, carrots, onions, and watermelons.

Competitive Landscape

The global vegetable seed market players are concentrating in leveraging advanced technologies and investing in agricultural research and development to gain competitive edge.

Limagrain Group

Founded in 1965, the company is headquartered in France. Limagrain is an agricultural cooperative specialising in breeding, producing, and distributing field seeds, vegetable seeds, and agricultural food products. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Limagrain works to enhance crop productivity and food security.

Bayer AG

Founded in 1863 and headquartered in Germany, Bayer AG is a global leader in healthcare and nutrition, dedicated to addressing essential human needs. Its vegetable seed brands, Seminis and De Ruiter, provide more than 20 type of high-quality organic and conventional seeds for various crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, cabbages, cauliflowers, eggplants, melons, onions, peppers, and watermelons, brassicas, leafy greens, and root vegetable, rootstocks, sweet corn, among others.

BASF SE

Founded in 1865 and headquartered in Germany, the company specialises in production and distribution of a range of products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, and crop protection products. The company offers more than 1,200 seed varieties in 24 vegetable crops under brand name Nunhems which includes artichoke, carrot, cucumber, celeriac, gourd, hot pepper, leek, lettuce, onion, okra.

Syngenta AG

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland, Syngenta is a leading global agriculture company committed to helping feed the world while protecting the planet. The company offers 30 crop species and over 2,500 varieties of vegetables under the Syngenta Vegetable Seeds brand, which includes a wide range of vegetable seeds across multiple categories.

Other key players in the global vegetable seed market are Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel BV, TAKII & CO.,LTD, Sakata Seed Corp., and Enza Zaden Beheer B.V., among others.