The Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market size was estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.00% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market

Market Summary

The plant breeding and CRISPR plants market represents a transformative segment within the agricultural biotechnology industry, fundamentally changing how crops are developed and improved. This market focuses on the application of advanced genetic techniques, with CRISPR gene-editing technology at the forefront, to enhance desirable traits in plants such as yield, nutritional content, drought tolerance, and resistance to diseases and pests. Unlike traditional methods that can take over a decade, these modern techniques significantly accelerate the breeding cycle, enabling a more rapid response to global agricultural challenges. The industry is characterized by intense research and development activities from both public institutions and private entities aiming to address food security, climate change adaptation, and sustainable farming practices. The convergence of biology, data science, and technology is driving innovation, making plant breeding more precise, efficient, and targeted. This market is not without its complexities, navigating a evolving global regulatory landscape that varies significantly by region, influencing commercialisation pathways and market entry strategies for new genetically edited products.

Key Highlights

The plant breeding and CRISPR plants market is distinguished by several pivotal developments. The precision of CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows for targeted gene modifications without introducing foreign DNA, a key differentiator from traditional genetic modification that is shaping consumer perception and regulatory classification in certain jurisdictions. This has led to the creation of non-transgenic gene-edited crops, which are progressing through regulatory systems more swiftly in countries like the United States and Japan. Major agrochemical and seed corporations, including Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, and Syngenta Group, are heavily investing in and integrating these technologies into their R&D pipelines to strengthen their product portfolios. Furthermore, a vibrant ecosystem of specialized biotechnology startups, such as Inari Agriculture and Pairwise, is emerging, focusing exclusively on leveraging gene editing for agricultural innovation. Collaborative models between academia, research institutes, and industry players are accelerating the translation of basic research into commercially viable seeds and traits, underscoring a highly collaborative and dynamic market environment.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growth of the plant breeding and CRISPR plants market is propelled by powerful drivers, primarily the escalating global demand for food from a growing population amidst shrinking arable land and the intensifying impacts of climate change. This necessitates the development of hardier, more productive crop varieties. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness and demand for nutritious and sustainably produced food present a significant opportunity for crops with enhanced vitamin profiles, improved shelf-life, or reduced need for chemical inputs. Advancements in supporting technologies like bioinformatics and genomics are further accelerating R&D efficiencies. However, the market faces considerable restraints. The regulatory environment remains fragmented and uncertain globally, with the European Union's stringent stance on gene-edited organisms creating market access barriers and complicating international trade. Significant public skepticism and ethical concerns regarding genetic manipulation in food, often bundled with GMOs, pose challenges to consumer acceptance and adoption. High costs associated with research, development, and navigating regulatory approvals also act as a barrier to entry for smaller firms, potentially stifling innovation.

Concentration Insights

The market concentration for plant breeding and CRISPR plants is characterized by a blend of established dominance and disruptive innovation. A high level of concentration exists within the broader seed industry, where a few multinational giants like Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta Group, and BASF possess extensive germplasm libraries, global distribution networks, and substantial financial resources to fund long-term R&D projects. These incumbents are actively acquiring CRISPR intellectual property and forming strategic partnerships with technology developers to maintain their competitive edge. Concurrently, the field is experiencing a influx of highly specialized ag-tech startups and biotech firms that are narrowly focused on gene-editing applications. These agile companies, including Caribou Biosciences and Tropic Biosciences, often originate from academic research and are concentrated in innovation hubs, bringing novel solutions and creating a more fragmented and competitive landscape at the technology development level. This dynamic results in a market where large corporations and nimble startups coexist through a complex web of collaborations, licensing agreements, and acquisitions.

Type Insights

The plant breeding and CRISPR plants market can be segmented by the type of breeding technology, which ranges from conventional methods to cutting-edge biotechnological tools. Conventional breeding, including hybridization and selection, remains a fundamental practice, valued for its long history and established acceptance. Molecular breeding represents an advancement, utilizing molecular markers to assist selection, thereby increasing the precision and speed of developing new varieties compared to purely phenotypic selection. The most significant innovation comes from genome editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas systems. This technology enables precise, targeted modifications to the plant's own DNA, such as gene knockouts, base editing, and gene activation or repression. These edits can mimic natural mutations or introduce specific beneficial changes without integrating genes from other species, leading to the classification of many such crops as non-GMO in several countries. The choice of technology depends on the trait complexity, regulatory considerations, development timeline, and intended market.

Application Insights

The applications of advanced plant breeding and CRISPR technology are vast and targeted towards solving critical agricultural challenges. A primary application is the development of crops with enhanced yield potential, directly addressing global food security needs. Equally important is engineering traits for abiotic stress tolerance, such as resistance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, which is crucial for climate resilience. biotic stress resistance is another major focus area, with efforts to create plants resistant to specific fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens as well as insect pests, thereby reducing crop losses and the dependency on chemical pesticides. Beyond resilience, there is a growing application in nutritional enhancement, or biofortification, to increase the content of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins in staple crops to combat malnutrition. Additional applications include modifying quality traits like improved oil profiles in soybeans, non-browning features in mushrooms and potatoes to reduce food waste, and developing hypoallergenic varieties of crops like peanuts and wheat to address health concerns.

Regional Insights

Adoption and development of CRISPR and advanced plant breeding technologies exhibit strong regional variations influenced by regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, and agricultural priorities. North America, particularly the United States, is a leading market, characterized by a more streamlined regulatory process for gene-edited crops that do not contain foreign DNA, fostering significant investment and innovation from both corporations and startups. The Asia-Pacific region is demonstrating rapid growth, with countries like China making substantial public and private investments in CRISPR research for agriculture, aiming to ensure food self-sufficiency. Japan has also established a clear regulatory path for genome-edited foods, encouraging commercial development. South American nations, including Brazil and Argentina, with their large agricultural sectors, are progressive in adopting agricultural biotechnologies and are important markets for genetically improved crops. In contrast, the European Union maintains a precautionary and highly restrictive stance, regulating gene-edited crops similarly to traditional GMOs, which has significantly hindered research and commercialisation within the region, creating a notable lag behind other parts of the world.

Company Insights

The competitive landscape features a diverse array of players, from global agricultural titans to focused biotechnology innovators. Leading multinational companies such as Bayer AG leverage their extensive resources, germplasm collections, and global commercial infrastructure to develop and market gene-edited seeds, often through acquisitions like that of Monsanto. Corteva Agriscience has established a strong position with its proprietary advanced breeding and editing platforms, actively launching collaborations to enhance its pipeline. Syngenta Group, now part of Sinochem, is heavily investing in biotechnology research to strengthen its offerings. Alongside these giants, a cohort of specialized companies is driving innovation. These include Caribou Biosciences, co-founded by CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna, which develops its own agricultural products and licenses its technology. Inari Agriculture focuses on using AI and multiplexed gene editing to unlock genetic potential in seeds. Pairwise is applying CRISPR to diversify the produce aisle with new types of fruits and vegetables, illustrating the niche-focused strategies of newer entrants.

Recent Developments

The plant breeding and CRISPR plants market is evolving rapidly, marked by significant recent developments. Regulatory milestones continue to shape the industry, with more countries clarifying their positions on gene-edited crops, often distinguishing them from transgenic GMOs and creating clearer pathways to market. There has been a notable increase in strategic partnerships and licensing agreements between large agribusiness firms and innovative biotech startups, enabling technology access and commercialization scalability. Product development has advanced, with several gene-edited products nearing or entering commercial stages; examples include high-yield wheat, drought-tolerant corn, and nutrient-enhanced tomatoes. Research breakthroughs are also frequent, with scientists publishing new CRISPR techniques offering greater precision and efficiency, such as prime editing, which expands the scope of possible genetic changes. Furthermore, companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability traits, developing crops that support regenerative agriculture practices by requiring fewer inputs and promoting soil health, aligning with broader environmental, social, and governance goals.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market report on the plant breeding and CRISPR plants industry provides a detailed analysis segmented across multiple dimensions to offer a granular understanding of the market dynamics. The segmentation by technology delineates the market into conventional breeding, molecular breeding, and genetic engineering, with further breakdowns within genetic engineering to highlight genome editing platforms like CRISPR. The type segment analysis covers the different crop types being targeted, including major cereals and grains like corn, wheat, and rice, oilseeds and pulses such as soybean and canola, fruits and vegetables, and other commercial crops. Application segmentation provides insights into the key end-use traits driving development, such as yield improvement, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, insect resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content. Furthermore, the report offers a thorough geographical segmentation, delivering in-depth analysis and forecasts for key regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa, highlighting regional trends, regulatory landscapes, and growth potential.

FAQs

What is CRISPR technology in plant breeding?

CRISPR is a powerful genome editing tool that allows scientists to make precise, targeted changes to the DNA of a plant. It functions like a pair of molecular scissors, enabling the addition, removal, or alteration of genetic material at specific locations in the genome to enhance desirable traits such as yield, disease resistance, or drought tolerance more rapidly and accurately than conventional breeding methods.

How is CRISPR different from GMO?

The key difference lies in the process. Traditional genetic modification often involves inserting foreign DNA from another species into a plant's genome. CRISPR, however, can edit the plant's own existing genes without necessarily introducing any foreign DNA, often resulting in changes that could theoretically occur through natural mutation or traditional breeding, albeit much faster. This distinction has led some countries to regulate them differently.

What are the benefits of CRISPR in agriculture?

CRISPR technology offers numerous benefits for agriculture, including significantly accelerated development of new crop varieties, enhanced precision in introducing desired traits, improved crop yields, increased resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses like drought, and the potential for nutritional enrichment of food crops. It is a tool for enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Are CRISPR edited plants safe?

Current scientific consensus from numerous studies suggests that food derived from CRISPR-edited plants is safe to consume, particularly when the editing involves small, precise changes that mimic natural processes. Regulatory agencies in various countries evaluate these products on a case-by-case basis to ensure they pose no heightened risk compared to conventionally bred varieties before they are approved for commercial use and consumption.

What is the future of CRISPR in agriculture?

The future of CRISPR in agriculture is poised for expansive growth and innovation. Expectations include the development of a wider array of climate-resilient crops, further enhancements in nutritional content, reduction of food waste through improved shelf-life traits, and decreased reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. As regulatory pathways become clearer and public acceptance grows, CRISPR-edited products are anticipated to become increasingly prevalent in the global food system.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market
• Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Plant Breeding and CRISPR Plants Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

Report Customization

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