Organic Seed Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Product (Vegetable Seeds, Fruits & Nuts Seeds, Oil Seeds, Crop Seeds and Other Products), Type (Outdoor and Indoor), Distribution Channel (Retailers, Wholesaler, Cooperative and Other Distribution Channels) Application and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Organic Seed Market is accounted for $4.59 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $9.32 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. The organic seed market refers to the production, distribution, and sale of seeds that are specifically grown and harvested using organic farming practices. Organic seeds are derived from plants that have been cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These seeds are produced through organic methods, such as organic soil management, natural pest and disease control, and sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, organic seed market is a niche segment within the larger seed industry, catering to the growing demand for organic food and agricultural products.
According to the Nutrition Business Journal, fresh vegetables and fruits have been the top-selling category of organically farmed food since the organic food industry began retailing items over three decades ago, and it continues to outsell other food categories.
Market DynamicsDriverConsumer demand
Consumer demand is a significant driver of the Organic Seed market. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy Organic Seed, and the demand for it has been increasing steadily over the years. The rising demand for Organic Seed is attributed to several factors, including its taste, texture, and the feelings of pleasure and comfort it can provide. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for high-quality, premium Organic Seed products that are made with natural and organic ingredients. Consumers are also seeking out Organic Seed products that are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and flavors. This trend towards healthier and more natural products has led to an increase in demand for dark Organic Seed, which is known to have higher levels of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, which will accelerate market growth over the course of the forecast period.
RestraintLimited availability and varieties
The organic food market encompasses a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and more. However, the availability of organic seed varieties may be limited compared to conventional seeds. This limited availability can pose challenges for farmers who require specific crop varieties to meet market demands and consumer preferences. Without a diverse range of organic seed options, farmers may struggle to find suitable varieties for their specific needs. Moreover, the limited availability of organic seed varieties may hinder innovation and adaptation within the organic farming sector. The development of new and improved organic seed varieties with enhanced traits, such as disease resistance, yield potential, and adaptability to different climates, is crucial for the growth and competitiveness of organic agriculture.
OpportunityRising demand for organic labelled food
The rising demand for organically labeled food presents a significant opportunity in the organic seed market. There has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more environmentally friendly food options. Organically labeled food products are perceived as being free from synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial additives. This increased consumer awareness and preference for organic food drives the demand for organic seeds, as they are essential for organic crop production. Organic farmers require a reliable source of organic seeds to maintain their organic certification and produce organic crops. This expansion of organic farming acreage directly drives the demand for organic seeds, offering a market opportunity for seed producers.
ThreatGenetic contamination
Genetic contamination can lead to the loss of genetic diversity in organic crops. Organic farming aims to promote biodiversity and the preservation of traditional, heirloom, and locally adapted seed varieties. However, when genetically modified or conventional crops contaminate organic crops, the genetic diversity and unique traits of organic varieties can be compromised, potentially leading to the loss of valuable seed resources. Moreover, Genetic contamination can also give rise to legal issues and liability concerns. Organic farmers who suffer genetic contamination may face legal disputes with neighbouring farmers or biotech companies that own the patented GMO traits. These legal battles can be costly and time-consuming, further burdening organic farmers and affecting their ability to maintain organic practices. These factors will therefore limit market growth during the anticipated period.
Covid-19 ImpactThe COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the organic seed market. Almost every sector has been grievously hit by the pandemic, which has affected day-to-day work-related functions. As a result, the food and beverage industry had to bear financial losses, negatively impacting the organic seed market. On the brighter side, the manufacturers are focusing on developing better products, keeping in mind the new market trends, to fulfil consumer requirements in the post-pandemic phase. New technological advancements will further improve the availability of organic seeds in developing and emerging markets post-pandemic.
The Vegetable seeds segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The Vegetable Seeds segment is projected to witness the largest share as compared to other segments over the forecast period. Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, and consumer demand for organic vegetables continues to grow. Consumers are increasingly seeking organic labelled vegetables due to concerns about pesticide residues, environmental sustainability, and health benefits. This drives the demand for organic vegetable seeds as farmers strive to meet the market demand for organic vegetables. Organic vegetable seeds are specifically bred or selected to thrive in organic farming systems. These seeds are often developed to exhibit traits such as disease resistance, adaptability to organic pest control methods, and tolerance to environmental stresses.
The Horticulture segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Horticulture segment has the highest CAGR in the Organic Seed market. Horticulture encompasses the cultivation of a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and ornamental plants. The organic seed market for horticulture offers a diverse selection of organic seeds for these crops. Organic horticultural seeds enable farmers and home gardeners to grow a wide variety of organic plants, ensuring diversity in the organic food and ornamental sectors. The availability and quality of organic seeds for horticultural crops are essential for the growth and success of the organic horticulture sector. They support organic certification, sustainable farming practices, market demand for organic produce, and the preservation of genetic diversity. Horticulture in the organic seed market offers a wide range of options for farmers, growers, and home gardeners to cultivate organic crops while promoting environmental stewardship and healthy food production.
Region with largest shareNorth America is one of the largest organic seed manufacturers in the world. The increased awareness of the health advantages that natural and organic products offer has increased the market for organic food and beverages in North American nations such as the U.S. and Canada. The demand for organic food and beverages has expanded as a result of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the major change among consumers toward healthy eating and lifestyle choices. The important factors enhancing the prognosis for the regional market are the rising demand for organic vegetables, fruits, and oilseeds in the area as a result of this trend.
Region with highest CAGRThe Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the highest growth rate over the forecast period. Many countries in the Asia Pacific region have implemented policies and initiatives to promote organic farming and support the organic agriculture sector. Governments are offering incentives, subsidies, and technical assistance to encourage farmers to adopt organic practices. These supportive measures create a conducive environment for organic seed production and stimulate market growth. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region has a rich agricultural heritage and diverse crop cultivation practices. Organic seed producers in the region capitalize on this by offering traditional and locally adapted organic seed varieties. This preservation of indigenous seed varieties contributes to the biodiversity of organic agriculture and appeals to consumers seeking unique and culturally significant organic food options.
Key players in the marketSome of the key players in Organic Seed Market include Above Food Inc., Arnica Kwekerij, Baker Creek Heirloom, BASF SE, De Bolster, Fedco Seeds, Fleuren, High Mowing Organic Seeds, HILD Samen, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Maas Plant, Navdanya, Renee’s Garden, Rijk Zwaan, Seed Savers Exchange, Seeds of Change Inc., Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Territorial Seeds Company, Vitalis Organic Seeds and Wild Garden Seeds.
Key DevelopmentsIn May 2021, Above Food Corp. signed a purchase agreement for acquiring Farmer Direct Organic Foods Ltd., which offers organic certified grains and legume proteins. The merger will help Above Food Corp.to expand its organic seed product portfolio
In September 2021, Bayer declared that it will extend its vegetable seeds offerings under the novel Vegetables by Bayer umbrella to involve organically generated seeds. The introduction will concentrate on certified organic production in three key crops for the greenhouse and glasshouse market tomato, sweet pepper, and cucumber. These will be succeeded by tomato rootstock assortments in 2023
In March 2021, Rijk Zwaan proudly launched a solution for cucumber growers ‘Delhi Defense’. The Rijk Zwaan cucumber assortments with ‘Delhi Defense’ demonstrate good opposition against the Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), which is better recognized as the ‘New Delhi’ virus. Though the symptoms in cucumber are comparatively gentle in comparison with additional crops, the virus still brings about a lot of damage and can lead to reduced productivity, serious patchy yellowing, and moderate leaf curling in the apical leaves
In March 2020, Graines Voltz, a distributor of vegetable and floral seeds, signed an agreement with BASF SE to buy HILD Samen business based in Marbach, Germany. The acquisition will help Graines Voltz to enhance market share in the distribution of vegetable seeds in Europe
Products Covered
• Vegetable Seeds
• Fruits & Nuts Seeds
• Oil Seeds
• Crop Seeds
• Other Products
Types Covered
• Outdoor
• Indoor
Distribution Channels Covered
• Retailers
• Wholesaler
• Cooperatives
• Other Distribution Channels
Applications Covered
• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Others Applications
Regions Covered
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (
Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities,
Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements