South Africa Seeds Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

South Africa Seeds Market Growth

The seed market is primed for substantial growth owing to a variety of factors such as rising income levels, increased demand for food and nutrition, the need for food security, and advancements in seed technology. Additionally, there is an increased emphasis on sustainable agriculture due to growing environmental concerns caused by global warming and climate change, which will likely influence the seeds demand forecast.

Also, the introduction of new varieties of seeds such as hybrid seeds and genetically modified seeds to satisfy domestic needs has fueled market growth. According to the South Africa Agricultural Research Council, genetically modified (GM) maize seeds account for 85% of total maize production in the country with 5 million metric tonnes exported as surplus. Also, governmental efforts to boost agricultural productivity, increasing herbicide tolerance, and insect resistance, along with enhancing seed quality are propelling growth of South Africa seeds market.

Furthermore, continuous research and development to meet the government’s vision of food security has made the players gain a competitive edge in the market while distinguishing themselves from competitors. For instance, Bayer SE’s Acceleron seed treatment package offers a combination of fungicide and insecticide, to enhance quality and protect DEKALB hybrid seed and seedlings from diseases and potential damage at their most vulnerable stage during the growth process.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Increasing food demand, rising agricultural production, and adoption of GM seeds is incraesing the South Africa seeds market value.

June 2024

Sakata Seeds Southern Africa announced the launch of its latest F1 hybrid cabbage variety, Conquistador II, the successor of original Conquistador, albeit with improved features and better qualities. It is an ideal choice for South African farmers. The key feature of the variety is its heavy weight, shape, and distinct white colour. Each cabbage weighs almost 8 kgs or more, with big frame and wrapper leaves covering the head as well. The variety is extremely promising of high yield for farmers.

November 2023

UPL Limited, a global leader in agrochemical production announced the incorporation of its subsidiary Advanta Seeds (Pty) in South Africa under Advanta Enterprises, India. The company will carry out significant research and development in seed technology and make efforts towards delivering high quality seeds. UPL itself has a global footprint in 123 countries whereas the brand Advanta seeds is already operating in 84 of them.

February 2023

Argentina-based Genetically Modified Seeds Company, GDM has applied for the registration of 13 soy plant varieties in South Africa, featuring Bayer’s INTACTA PRO GMO seed technology. The technology was approved by the nation in 2021. These GM varieties are designed to make soy-plants resistant of caterpillars and glyphosate weed killer.

May 2022

Corteva Agriscience, a leading global seed producer has established a seed treatment lab in South Africa, named as the Center for Seed Applied Technologies (CSAT). The lab will specifically focus on recipe development and safety testing of seed-applied solutions using chemical or biological substances such as fungicides and insecticides. The treatment helps protect the seeds against diseases, pests, and soil-borne pathogens.

Maize will Record the Highest Seeds Market Share in South Africa

Maize has traditionally been a major contributor to South Africa seed production and exports industry. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the domestic production of maize has been estimated at 17 million tonnes in 2023, whereas its exports during the year 2023-24 is estimated at around 3.6 million tonnes. In the upcoming years, the seed market will continue to dominate maize seeds with rising production and exports to new levels.

Adoption of Genetically Modified Seeds Will Increase Due to Participation of New Players

South Africa is one of the leading producers of genetically modified crops in the entire African continent. Currently, it is known for the commercial use of three genetically modified seeds – namely, maize, cotton, and soy. However, realizing the increased demand for GM seeds in the country, major global industry leaders have appealed for trials of GM potato, wheat, canola, and other seeds to the South African Government.

Increase in Food Demand Will Drive Growth of South Africa Seeds Industry

The rising population in South Africa is fuelling the demand for food in the country, thereby propelling the seeds market growth. According to the National Statistics Office, the country’s population grew by 1.33% between July 2023 to July 2024, raising the food demand to completely new levels. To meet the rising demand, the market is expected to witness high growth in terms of sales and revenue in the upcoming years.

Rising Agriculture Production Will Positively Impact South Africa Seeds Industry Revenue

Agriculture production has been consistently rising in South Africa during the recent years. According to the Department of Agriculture, the overall production volume was estimated to grow by 1.2% between 2021 and 2022. Out of this, the volume of field crop production increased by 0.1% during 2022, due to increase in production of oilseeds such as sunflower and soybeans. The increase in agriculture production has resulted in the direct revenue growth of the seeds market in the country.

South Africa Seeds Industry Segmentation

“South Africa Seeds Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Conventional Seeds
• Genetically Modified Seeds

Market Breakup by Crop Type

• Row Crops
  • Fiber Crops
  • Forage Crops
  • Grains and Cereals
  • Oil Seeds
  • Pulses
• Vegetables 
  • Brassicas
  • Cucurbits
  • Roots and Bulbs
  • Solanaceae
  • Unclassified Vegetables

Market Breakup by Treatment

• Treated Seeds
• Untreated Seeds 

Market Breakup by Trait

• Herbicide Tolerance
• Insect Resistance
• Others 

South Africa Seeds Market Share

Based on type, the market is primarily segmented into conventional seeds and genetically modified (GM) seeds. Genetically modified seeds hold a dominant position in the market and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% in the forecast period due to several advantages like higher profits, cost-effectiveness, and increased nutrition, among others. Furthermore, the emergence of aggressive pests, insecticide and herbicide resistance, and unfavourable weather conditions have propelled the demand for genetically modified and conventional seeds of superior quality in the market.

Leading Companies in South Africa Seeds Market

Market players are making developments in seed technology to meet agricultural demands.

• BASF SE
• Bayer AG
• Corteva Inc.
• Enza Zaden Beheer B.V.
• Syngenta AG
• Groupe Limagrain Holding
• KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
• Sakata Seed Corporation
• Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V.
• Takii & Co., Ltd.
• Others

South Africa Seeds Market Report Snapshots

South Africa Seeds Market Size

South Africa Seeds Market Growth

South Africa Seeds Market Share

South Africa Seeds Companies