Vegetable Seed Market Size, Share, Opportunities, Trends, and Report Segmented By Type, Farm Type, Trait, and Geography - Forecasts from 2024 To 2029

Description

The vegetable seed market

The vegetable seed market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.86 % during the forecast period, from USD 6.380 billion in 2020 to USD 12.386 billion in 2030.

Vegetable Seed Market Introduction

The global vegetable seed market is experiencing modest but significant evolution; instead of focusing on the changing marketplace, market trends will depend on future breeding technologies, shifting diets, and "nudges" from policies. With respect to breeding technologies, we see some steps being taken to enhance genetic techniques (new genetic techniques, like CRISPR, and marker-assisted breeding) and hybrids, and farmers with seeds with greater yield potential, more pest resistance, and more precise nutritional profiles. These findings are especially important in controlled-environment farming (like vertical farming and hydroponics), where seeds will change from just being potential "make or break" ingredients to essential purchases.

Consumers are also shifting the paradigm slowly but surely. Seeds that fit into and tick more than one box of preference (often organic, non-GMO, or heirloom) and with a clear health or environmental value proposition are gaining increasing popularity. Government programs and development assistance are also doing their part in demonstrating seed systems as part of the bigger food systems (growing investments, subsidies, export-import signals, R&D grants), particularly across Southeast Asia. The seed resilience project helped farmers grow 10x as many carrots simply by switching their seed varieties. Additionally, the organization has a goal of helping 100 million smallholder farmers living in low and middle-income countries to be self-sufficient in food production by 2030. Furthermore, it is also noted that policies on conventional vegetable seeds allow for more cost-effective options than GM or organic seeds, and such conventional seed options for many farmers, particularly those in developing countries.

In addition, these conventional vegetable seeds are also readily accessible through standard agricultural supply networks, simplifying procurement for farmers. With a history and a proven track record of yield, quality, and suitability in growing conditions, there’s a sense of familiarity and trust amongst the farmers. In many developing countries, there are fewer regulatory provisions for conventional seeds compared to GM or organic seeds, which contributes to faster market growth with new varieties of conventional seeds. Even with competition from GM vegetable seeds, it is predicted that conventional seeds will witness constant growth over the forecast period, which is a vital component of the agribusiness. Syngenta Group provided full-year 2024 results demonstrating healthy underlying demand in seeds and new products, particularly from China, while buffering the negative effect of a slow crop protection business. The total Group revenue was $28.8 billion, with EBITDA $3.9 billion, representing double-digit growth in Q4, despite ongoing channel destocking, adverse weather conditions, and headwinds from currency impact in Emerging Markets.

Vegetable Seed Market Trends:

The global vegetable seeds market is estimated to grow at an expanding rate, as the growth in the total global demand for agricultural products. Vegetable seeds are a type of agricultural seed that is commonly used for the production of vegetables. These seeds are rich in various nutrients to different degrees, and hence they are an integral part of a balanced, healthy diet. Any illness or condition, such as obesity or eye disorders, can be alleviated with a diet rich in vegetables. Moreover, weight loss is encouraged by the consumption of large quantities of low-calorie, non-starchy vegetables such as spinach or lettuce instead. Thus, the consumption of vegetables has increased because people are more concerned about satisfying different dietary and nutritional needs. Premium planting seeds are being ordered extensively by farmers worldwide due to the surge in demand for vegetables.

These seeds are used as reproductive material for plants. The vegetable seed contains genetic information of the parent plant, and it also has the potential to develop into a new plant. They are also a good source of vitamins and nutrition for consumption. For instance, flaxseeds offer a higher dose of calories, protein, and fiber, whereas pumpkin seeds offer monounsaturated fats and omega-6 fats, among others. In addition, as vegetable seeds are common in most areas, many companies and governments have directed sufficient resources towards research and development to enhance the crop production levels of farmers. For instance, to stay ahead of the curve in plant breeding, Bayer Vegetable Seeds has developed and applied cutting-edge breeding technologies. More studies on various vegetable seeds and the development of hybrid or genetically modified seeds are the key motivating factors of the vegetable seeds market worldwide. Under the type segment of the global vegetable seeds market, the leafy category is estimated to attain the maximum market share. In contrast, the indoor category under the farm type segment will grow significantly. The genetically modified category of the trait segment is forecasted to grow at a faster rate as compared to the conventional category. The global vegetable seed market is estimated to witness a major increase with the increase in the global population. The growing popularity of sustainable and healthier foods among the population is also estimated to boost the demand for vegetable seeds in the market. One of the major driving factors for the global vegetable seeds market is the increasing global population. The global population has increased significantly in recent years, which is also estimated to simultaneously increase the demand for a healthier and sustainable fruit market. Similarly, the increase in the global production of vegetables worldwide is also estimated to push the market share of vegetable seeds. The use of vegetable seeds also offers a key application in the indoor farming sector. The major challenge to the global vegetable seeds market is forecasted to be the growing use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, among other things. The expanding use of chemicals and fertilizers worldwide is expected to reduce the impact of these seeds' efficiency and market share.

Vegetable Seed Market Dynamics

Market Drivers:

• Increasing production of vegetables across the globe.
  The increasing demand for vegetables globally, driven by food security and health-conscious consumers, is fuelling the market growth and also increasing the production volume of vegetables. The rise of vegetable production across the region will promote the global vegetable seed market. For instance, India is among the largest producers of vegetables globally. According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the country is among the second-largest producers of the vegetable globally, with the export accounting for about USD 828.26 million in FY 2024. Moreover, the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of June 2024 reported that the production of vegetables in the country accounted for 204.96 million tonnes in FY 2024, with an area under cultivation of 11.11 million hectares. Additionally, the tomato production was estimated to be about 212.38 lakh tonnes in FY 2024, with a rise of 3.98 percent lakh tonnes from FY2023, which was 204.25 lakh tonnes. The production of onions and potatoes was predicted to be 242.12 and 567.62 lakh tonnes in the same year. The report also stated that the country is the largest producer of ginger, onion, and okra, among other vegetables. The country also expected a significant increase in production of multiple types of vegetables, including cauliflowers, bottle gourds, pumpkins, bitter gourds, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and tapioca. Similarly, the Ag Marketing Resource Center reported the United States production of gresh tomatos was cultivated in 248,000 acres, which generated about 50.0 tons per acre tomato yields in 2023. The account for tomato production in the country was about USD 715.63 million in the same year. In addition to this, the tomato production in Mexico was reported at 3.30 metric tons in 2024, increasing by 2 percent from the previous year. This growth trend in the production of vegetables will promote the market in the coming years.
• Rising demand for vegetables with the rise in population.
  One of the major driving factors that is expected to push the global demand for vegetable seeds is the growing population. With the increasing global population, the demand for vegetables and healthier food products has increased significantly. The World Bank stated that in 2021, the global population was about 7.89 billion, which increased to about 7.95 billion in 2022. The total population of the globe increased to about 8.02 billion in 2023. With the increase in the global population, the total production of vegetables also increases significantly. The total production of vegetables grew significantly over the years, especially in the USA. The United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service report stated that in 2023, total production of the 26 estimated vegetables and melon crops was recorded at about 758 million cwt. The total value of the production of vegetable crops in 2023 was estimated at US$19.5 billion.

Market Restraints:

• Growing use of fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural sector
  The major challenge is expected to act as a hindrance to the vegetable seeds in the global market. The global use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals reduces the production efficiency of the seeds. The International Fertilizer Association, in its regional product overview of 2022, estimated that about 24,480 thousand tons of nutrients were produced in East Asia. In contrast, about 14,469 thousand tons of nutrients and 7,129 thousand tons of nutrients were produced in Africa and West Asia, respectively.

Vegetable Seed Market Segmentation Analysis

• By Type, Solanaceae is experiencing significant growth
  The vegetable seed market is segmented by type into Solanaceae, Brassica, root bulb, leafy, and others. The Solanaceae family is regarded as one of the most economically important families of flowering plants, which has played an important role in human nutrition. Many economically important plant species are combined in Solanaceae, such as Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), S. tuberosum (potato), S. melongena (brinjal), and Capsicum annuum (pepper), amongst others. Additionally, the family of Solanaceae includes a total of 75 genera and over 2000 species of herbs, small trees, and shrubs distributed in the world's tropical and temperate regions. Several key drivers are enhancing growth within the Solanaceae segment of the vegetable seed market. Firstly, seed companies have invested heavily in developing hybrid seeds with added quality, yield potential and disease resistance characteristics, which are much more appealing to farmers. Hybrid varieties, especially tomatoes and peppers, are gaining prominence due to their higher resistance to environmental stresses and their ability to provide consistent performance throughout the growing season. The increasing demand in the consumer market for nutritious food has also driven demand for Solanaceae crops, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Urbanization trends are also promoting this segment because people are increasingly involved in home gardening to grow vegetables on their own. Lastly, the supportive government policies regarding sustainable agriculture not only strengthen this segment but also encourage farmers to adopt advanced seed technologies. Furthermore, there has been a rise in the number of acres planted for potatoes. According to the report published by the NASS USDA, especially in the US, with total states accounting for about 92.2 percent, which underlines one of the drivers for the growth in the Solanaceae segment. Potatoes indeed rank high among crops, and their expanded cultivation reflects both consumer demand and agricultural investment. With more land dedicated towards the growth of potatoes, not only will production increase, but innovation in seed development customized to ensure maximum growth in each set of climatic conditions will also increase. This trend emphasizes the importance of potatoes in changing the overall market trend for Solanaceae crops.
• By Trait, the Conventional segment is rising considerably
  By trait, the vegetable seed market is segmented into conventional and genetically modified. Conventional vegetable seeds are considered a traditional, non-modified type of seeds that are widely used in agricultural practices. These types of seeds have been grown and gradually improved over many years, with aspects like yield, flavor, and durability against diseases taken into consideration. They are the foundational components on which the agri-based economy is constructed, providing low-cost and reliable service to the farmers worldwide. Moreover, concerns related to genetically modified crops are also encouraging consumers to choose organic and non-genetically modified crop products and foods, which is contributing to offering opportunities for the market of fresh and healthy conventional vegetable seeds. In addition, there are policies and regulations to promote conventional seed development. For instance, the Non-GMO Project Standard is set in the North American region to avoid GMO products. Conventional vegetable seeds are produced in a regular manner, where crops are farmed using chemical fertilizers and insecticides, and hence are easily available at agricultural supply centers and seed companies. For instance, Bayer partnered with Seminis and De Ruiter to supply various conventional vegetable seeds,including tomato, cucumber, onion, pepper, and other vegetables, intending to create better businesses and a healthier world. Additionally, the organization also has a goal of helping 100 million smallholder farmers living in low and middle-income countries to be self-sufficient in food production by 2030. Furthermore, it is also noted that policies on conventional vegetable seeds allow for more cost-effective options than GM or organic seeds, and such conventional seed options are preferred by many farmers, particularly those in developing countries. Similarly, W. Atlee Burpee Company offers vegetable seeds, which are trusted with 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed and are non-GMO, like Early Italian Garlic Bulbs, Sun King Hybrid Broccoli Seeds & Plants, and Burpee's Golden Beet Seeds. These conventional vegetable seeds are also easily accessible through standard agricultural supply networks, simplifying the process for farmers to obtain them. With a history and a proven track record of yield, quality, and suitability in growing conditions, there’s a sense of familiarity and trust amongst the farmers. In many developing countries, there are fewer regulatory provisions for conventional seeds compared to GM or organic seeds, which contributes to a rapid market growth with new varieties of conventional seeds. Even with competition from GM vegetable seeds, it is predicted to have a constant market growth over the period for conventional seeds, which are a vital component of the agribusiness.

Vegetable Seed Market Geographical Outlook:

• Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold a significant share of the Vegetable Seed Market
  The vegetable seed market is experiencing robust growth, with the Asia-Pacific region projected to capture a significant market share due to its thriving agricultural sector and high vegetable production. Countries like India, China, and Malaysia are among the world’s largest vegetable producers, driven by population growth, food demand, and farming efficiency. Asia-Pacific’s diverse climate and fertile terrain support the cultivation of a wide range of vegetables, boosting the demand for high-quality seeds. In India, a large vegetarian population and increasing food security needs drive vegetable seed demand. The Indian Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare reported that horticulture production rose from 347.18 million tons in 2021-22 to 355.48 million tons in 2022-23, reflecting strong growth in vegetable cultivation (Ministry of Agriculture, 2023). China, the world’s top vegetable producer, supports market expansion through large-scale farming and export markets. Malaysia and other ASEAN countries contribute to tropical vegetable production, enhancing regional output. Asia-Pacific is a leading exporter of vegetables, with countries like India and China supplying global markets, increasing the need for hybrid seeds and disease-resistant varieties. Government initiatives, such as India’s Seed Mission, promote seed technology and sustainable agriculture, further driving market growth. Technological advancements in seed breeding, including genetic modification and precision agriculture, enhance crop yields and resilience, aligning with food security goals.
  • China
    China’s total population is 1.416 billion in 2025, and among the largest populous countries in the world, indicating the huge food demand. Chinese people consume about 1.34 trillion of value of fruits and vegetables every day, and vegetables account for 41% of the total food consumption in the country. The country is also one of the world's largest vegetable producers. Governments, research organizations, and various companies are establishing production facilities and research & development centers for the overall improvement of vegetable seeds in the country. For example, Syngenta, a key player in the vegetable seed market, owned by Sinochem and based in China, focuses on an integrated strategy that leverages its strengths in seed development, crop protection, and seed care. This holistic approach will give farmers specific solutions that improve production and sustainability. The corporation invests heavily in R&D, with an annual budget of around $1.4 billion. This funding encourages the creation of high-tech seeds that can tolerate diseases, pests, and climate change. Syngenta is engaged with more than 150 R&D and production locations worldwide, working alongside universities and research institutes to stimulate innovation in seed traits and features. According to a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) report, March 2024, and the China Major Crop Seed Production Supply and Demand in 2023-2024 released by National Agriculture Technology, major crops seed production increased in MY 2023/24, creating an oversupply of seeds, resulting in stable to declining prices. Additionally, Government policies are further supporting the advancement of the vegetable production in the country. In 2023, the Central Government proposed developing modern facility agriculture, for the first time, including intensive vegetable seedling centers and promotion of the transformation and upgrading of old vegetable facilities. The development of facility agriculture would provide vegetables for Chinese people, but also make vegetables internationally competitive. In the more than 3,000 square meters of seedling greenhouses of Huacheng Vegetable Professional Cooperative in Lishui District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, five intensive seedling centers were built in the city to provide high-quality seedlings for the development of the vegetable industry.
  • Japan
    Japan's vegetable varieties are extremely diverse and spread across different prefectures within the country. It has major companies like Sakata Group, which had net sales of ¥77,263 million in 2023. Further, Susamaru grows with considerable thickness and weight even in high temperatures. This implies that more bags can be shipped per unit area, which is profitable for producers' income. The good yields imply fewer bags are packed per unit, increasing the efficiency of the bagging work and reducing labor. In July 2025, DENSO Corporation acquired Axia Vegetable Seeds, a vegetable seed breeding company, and focused on developing high-quality tomato seeds for greenhouses globally. The acquisition marks a step forward in DENSO’s strategic expansion into the AgriTech sector. At the same time, it is also in talks to buy a Temasek-backed seed supplier for $500 million. Japan's vegetable seed market is heavily import-dependent, according to WITS (World Integrated Trade Solution). In 2023, Japan exported vegetable seeds worth $37,841.01 thousand and a total weight of 285,392 kg, while it imported products valued at $147,977.46 thousand and weighing 3,896,240 kg. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the self-sufficiency rate for vegetables is 80%. However, when the self-sufficiency rate for seeds and fertilizer is considered, the true self-sufficiency rate is less than 10%. The demand for disease-resistant, high-yield, and weather-tolerant crops will be the trend during the forecast period.

North America and Europe follow, with demand for organic seeds and sustainable farming practices. South America, and Middle East, and Africa are emerging markets, driven by agricultural modernization. Challenges like climate variability persist, but innovative seed solutions mitigate these issues. The vegetable seed market thrives on population-driven demand, agricultural innovation, and export growth, with Asia-Pacific leading due to its productive farmlands and policy support. The Indian Government's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in its report, stated that in 2023-24, India’s horticulture production was estimated at 347.18 million tons in 2021-22, which increased to about 355.48 million tons in 2022-23. Furthermore, the Asian Pacific region is also among the biggest exporters of fruits and vegetables worldwide.

Vegetable Seed Market Key Players:

• Mahindra Agri is an Indian agri-technology product that offers multiple types of seeds, like potato seeds, crop care, micro irrigation, and grapes export, among others. The vegetable crops should offer Ramaya, Virat, Bottle Gourd, Cucumber, and Imported Coriander, Karishma, among others.
• Takii Europe B.V. is a part of Takii & Co., one of the biggest vegetable and flower breeders. The company offers broccoli, brussels sprouts, bunching onions, cabbage, and carrots in the vegetable seed market.

Vegetable Seed Market Recent Developments:

• In May 2024, Bayer AG introduced an advanced genome-editing initiative, which is estimated to enhance the nutrition of vegetables. Under the agreement, the company also aims to develop a broader variety of tomato products.
• In August 2024, the Prime Minister of India launched 109 high-yielding varieties of seeds. The government's seeds aim to be climate resilient and biofortified. These crops include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. In horticulture, the seeds include fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, and tuber crops, among others.
• In 2024, BASF, in collaboration with Syngenta and Arisa, launched the Wage Improvement in Seed Hybrids (WISH) initiative in India.

List of Top Vegetable Seed Companies:

• W. Atlee Burpee & Co.
• Mahindra Agri-Business
• Bayer AG
• Takii & Co. Ltd.
• Syngenta

The Vegetable Seed Market is analyzed into the following segments:

• By Type
  • Solanaceae
  • Brassica
  • Root Bulb
  • Leafy
  • Others
• By Farm Type
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
• By Trait
  • Conventional
  • Genetically Modified
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Others

Table Of Contents

Companies Profiled

W. Atlee Burpee & Company

Mahindra Agri Solutions Ltd.  

Bayer AG 

Takii & Co., Ltd.

Syngenta Group

Sakata Seed Corporation

Corteva Agriscience

Groupe Limagrain 

Vokkal Seeds Pvt. Ltd. 

East-West Seed International

Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V. 

German Seed Alliance GmbH

BASF SE

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