Genetically Modified Food Market Analysis

Crop Type Segment Analysis

In the genetically modified food market the maize segment based on crop type is expected to garner the largest revenue share of 38.6% during the forecast period. The dominance of the segment is mainly propelled by the widespread adoption of GM maize for animal feed, high yield potential, and a heightened demand from food, feed, and biofuel industries. In December 2025, the European Commission reported that it had authorized the placing on the regional market of products containing or produced from genetically modified maize DAS-Ø1131-3, which was developed by Corteva Agriscience, following a favorable EFSA safety assessment confirming no risks to human or animal health or the environment. It also mentioned that this GM maize expresses glyphosate tolerance (DGT-28 EPSPS) and insect resistance (Cry1Da2) traits, supporting efficient pest control and crop management across food and feed uses. Therefore, such approvals solidify maize’s dominance in the GMO food market by enabling wider commercial use across the region.

Trait Segment Analysis

By the conclusion of 2035, the herbicide tolerance is anticipated to grow with a considerable share in the genetically modified food market. The subtype is considered to be the most widely planted genetic modification across the globe since it simplifies weed control and reduces labor and input costs. HT crops such as soybeans, corn, and canola dominate commercial GMO cultivation and have been widely adopted in primary producing countries for decades.  As per the article published by USDA in July 2024, genetically engineered seeds were first commercially introduced for major field crops in the U.S. over two decades ago, and their adoption expanded rapidly in subsequent years. It also mentioned that the most widely planted genetically engineered traits are herbicide tolerance and insect resistance, which can be used individually or combined as stacked traits in a single seed. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, these technologies have become central to modern U.S. agriculture, improving crop protection and farm productivity, hence denoting a wider segment scope.

Application Segment Analysis

In the application segment, animal feed is predicted to capture a significant share of the genetically modified food market over the discussed timeframe. The major portion of GMO crop production goes into animal feed, particularly soybean meal and corn, which in turn is driven by global livestock and poultry demand. In addition, the livestock feed costs represent a large share of production expenses, wherein the GMO inputs provide consistent quality and cost advantages, making the animal feed segment a leading revenue contributor in this field. Moreover, the adoption of GM crops in animal feed helps improve feed efficiency and nutrient absorption, supporting higher productivity in livestock and poultry. Regulatory approvals for GM soy and corn in major markets such as the U.S., Brazil, and the EU are also enabling large-scale integration into feed supply chains. Furthermore, the heightened demand for meat, dairy, and poultry products across the globe continues to drive the sustained growth of the animal feed segment within the market.

Our in-depth analysis of the genetically modified food market includes the following segments: