Agrifood Genomics Industry Report 2025: Market Dynamics, Technology Advancements, and Strategic Forecasts Through 2030. Explore Key Trends, Regional Insights, and Competitive Analysis Shaping the Future of Agrifood Genomics.
- Executive Summary & Market Overview
- Key Technology Trends in Agrifood Genomics
- Competitive Landscape and Leading Players
- Market Growth Forecasts (2025–2030): CAGR, Revenue, and Volume Analysis
- Regional Market Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World
- Future Outlook: Emerging Applications and Investment Opportunities
- Challenges, Risks, and Strategic Opportunities in Agrifood Genomics
- Sources & References
Executive Summary & Market Overview
Agrifood genomics refers to the application of genomic technologies and analysis in agriculture and food production, encompassing crop improvement, livestock breeding, food safety, and traceability. The global agrifood genomics market is poised for robust growth in 2025, driven by increasing demand for sustainable food production, heightened concerns over food security, and rapid advancements in sequencing technologies.
According to recent market analyses, the agrifood genomics sector is expected to reach a valuation of over USD 7 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 8% from 2020 to 2025. This growth is underpinned by the adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and other molecular diagnostic tools across the food value chain. These technologies enable precise identification of genetic traits, detection of pathogens, and authentication of food origin, which are critical for both producers and regulators MarketsandMarkets.
- Crop Genomics: The use of genomics in crop breeding accelerates the development of high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties. Major agribusinesses and research institutions are investing in genomic selection and gene editing to address global challenges such as climate change and population growth Bayer.
- Livestock Genomics: Genomic tools are increasingly used to enhance livestock productivity, improve disease resistance, and ensure traceability. This is particularly relevant in regions with intensive animal agriculture, where efficiency and biosecurity are paramount Illumina.
- Food Safety & Traceability: Genomic testing is becoming a standard for detecting foodborne pathogens, verifying food authenticity, and preventing fraud. Regulatory agencies and food companies are integrating genomics into their quality assurance protocols U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Regionally, North America and Europe lead the market due to advanced infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, fueled by expanding agritech investments and government initiatives. The competitive landscape features established players and innovative startups, with ongoing collaborations between public and private sectors to accelerate R&D and commercialization.
In summary, agrifood genomics is set to play a transformative role in the global food system in 2025, offering solutions for productivity, safety, and sustainability amid evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
Key Technology Trends in Agrifood Genomics
Agrifood genomics, the application of genomic technologies to agriculture and food production, is undergoing rapid transformation as new technologies emerge and mature. In 2025, several key technology trends are shaping the landscape, driving innovation, and expanding the potential of genomics to address global food security, sustainability, and quality challenges.
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Advancements: The cost and speed of NGS continue to improve, enabling large-scale genotyping and whole-genome sequencing of crops and livestock. This facilitates more precise breeding, trait selection, and disease resistance identification. Companies such as Illumina and Thermo Fisher Scientific are at the forefront, offering platforms that support high-throughput sequencing for agrifood applications.
- CRISPR and Genome Editing: The adoption of CRISPR-Cas and related genome editing tools is accelerating, allowing for targeted modifications in plant and animal genomes. This technology is being used to develop crops with improved yield, nutritional content, and resilience to climate change, as well as livestock with enhanced disease resistance. Regulatory clarity in key markets is further supporting commercial deployment (OECD).
- Multi-omics Integration: The convergence of genomics with transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics is providing a more holistic understanding of biological processes in agrifood systems. This integrated approach is enabling the identification of complex trait architectures and accelerating the development of superior varieties (FAO).
- AI and Big Data Analytics: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly used to analyze vast genomic datasets, predict phenotypic outcomes, and optimize breeding strategies. Startups and established players alike are investing in digital platforms that leverage AI for decision support in genomics-driven agriculture (Boston Consulting Group).
- Portable and Real-Time Sequencing: The rise of portable sequencing devices, such as those developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, is enabling in-field genomic analysis. This trend supports rapid pathogen detection, traceability, and quality control throughout the food supply chain.
These technology trends are collectively enhancing the precision, efficiency, and scalability of agrifood genomics, positioning the sector for significant growth and impact in 2025 and beyond.
Competitive Landscape and Leading Players
The competitive landscape of the agrifood genomics market in 2025 is characterized by a dynamic mix of established biotechnology firms, specialized genomics service providers, and emerging startups. The sector is witnessing intensified competition as companies race to develop advanced sequencing technologies, bioinformatics platforms, and tailored genomic solutions for crop and livestock improvement.
Key players dominating the market include Illumina, Inc., which maintains a stronghold through its high-throughput sequencing platforms and comprehensive genomics services. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is another major contender, leveraging its broad portfolio of genetic analysis tools and reagents tailored for agrifood applications. Agilent Technologies, Inc. and QIAGEN N.V. also play significant roles, particularly in providing sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and data analysis solutions.
In addition to these global leaders, the market features specialized firms such as Neogen Corporation, which focuses on genomics for animal health and food safety, and Eurofins Scientific, a prominent provider of genomics testing services for food authenticity and traceability. Startups and regional players, including BGI Genomics and NRGene, are gaining traction by offering cost-effective sequencing and advanced bioinformatics tailored to specific crops and geographies.
Strategic collaborations and acquisitions are shaping the competitive dynamics. For instance, partnerships between genomics companies and agribusiness giants such as Bayer AG and Corteva Agriscience are accelerating the integration of genomics into seed development and precision agriculture. These alliances enable rapid commercialization of new traits and technologies, further intensifying competition.
- Market leaders are investing heavily in R&D to enhance sequencing accuracy, reduce costs, and expand the range of detectable traits.
- There is a growing emphasis on cloud-based bioinformatics and AI-driven analytics, with companies like Illumina and QIAGEN launching proprietary platforms for large-scale data interpretation.
- Regional expansion, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, is a key focus, as these regions present significant growth opportunities due to rising demand for food security and sustainable agriculture.
Overall, the agrifood genomics market in 2025 is marked by robust competition, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships, with leading players vying to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding global market.
Market Growth Forecasts (2025–2030): CAGR, Revenue, and Volume Analysis
The agrifood genomics market is poised for robust expansion between 2025 and 2030, driven by technological advancements, increased adoption in crop and livestock improvement, and rising demand for sustainable food production. According to projections by MarketsandMarkets, the global agrifood genomics market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.5% during this period. Revenue is forecasted to rise from an estimated $5.2 billion in 2025 to nearly $7.8 billion by 2030, reflecting both increased volume and value of genomics-based solutions in agriculture and food sectors.
Volume analysis indicates a significant uptick in the number of genomic tests and sequencing projects, particularly in high-value crops and livestock. The adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genotyping platforms is anticipated to accelerate, with the number of samples processed annually projected to double by 2030. This surge is attributed to the growing integration of genomics in breeding programs, disease resistance screening, and food traceability initiatives.
Regionally, North America and Europe are expected to maintain their dominance, collectively accounting for over 60% of market revenue in 2025, due to established research infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks. However, Asia-Pacific is forecasted to exhibit the fastest CAGR, exceeding 10%, as countries like China and India ramp up investments in agricultural biotechnology and food safety testing (Grand View Research).
- Crop Genomics: The segment is projected to witness a CAGR of 9% from 2025 to 2030, fueled by the need for climate-resilient and high-yield varieties.
- Livestock Genomics: Expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5%, with applications in disease resistance and productivity enhancement.
- Food Genomics: Increasing focus on food authenticity and safety is set to drive a CAGR of 8% in this segment.
Key market drivers include the decreasing cost of sequencing, government funding for genomics research, and the expansion of precision agriculture. The market’s growth trajectory is further supported by strategic collaborations between agritech firms and research institutions, as well as the commercialization of user-friendly genomics platforms (Fortune Business Insights).
Regional Market Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World
The global agrifood genomics market is experiencing robust growth, with significant regional variations in adoption, investment, and technological advancement. In 2025, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW) each present distinct market dynamics shaped by regulatory frameworks, research infrastructure, and agricultural priorities.
North America remains the leading region, driven by advanced research capabilities, strong government support, and the presence of major genomics companies. The United States, in particular, benefits from initiatives by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and collaborations with academic institutions, fostering innovation in crop and livestock genomics. The region’s focus on sustainable agriculture and food security further accelerates the adoption of genomics-based solutions for yield improvement, disease resistance, and traceability.
Europe is characterized by stringent regulatory standards and a strong emphasis on food safety and sustainability. The European Commission supports genomics research through funding programs such as Horizon Europe, promoting the integration of genomics in precision agriculture and food quality assurance. Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and France are at the forefront, leveraging genomics to enhance breeding programs and address climate change challenges. However, regulatory hurdles related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can slow market expansion in certain segments.
- Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, propelled by rising food demand, government investments, and expanding agritech startups. China, India, and Australia are key markets, with national initiatives supporting genomics research for staple crops and livestock. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and CSIRO in Australia are notable contributors to regional innovation. Despite rapid growth, challenges such as fragmented supply chains and limited access to advanced technologies persist in some countries.
- Rest of the World (RoW) encompasses Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, where adoption is emerging but uneven. Brazil and Argentina are notable for integrating genomics in soybean and cattle breeding, supported by organizations like Embrapa. In Africa and the Middle East, international collaborations and donor-funded projects are crucial for capacity building, though infrastructural and funding constraints limit widespread adoption.
Overall, regional disparities in agrifood genomics reflect differences in policy, investment, and technological readiness. However, cross-border collaborations and global food security concerns are expected to drive convergence and market expansion through 2025 and beyond.
Future Outlook: Emerging Applications and Investment Opportunities
The future outlook for agrifood genomics in 2025 is marked by rapid technological advancements, expanding applications, and increasing investment activity. As the global demand for sustainable food production intensifies, genomics is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture and food systems. The integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS), gene editing, and bioinformatics is enabling more precise crop and livestock breeding, disease resistance, and quality trait selection, which are critical for addressing food security and climate resilience.
Emerging applications are particularly prominent in the development of climate-smart crops, such as drought-tolerant maize and disease-resistant wheat, leveraging genomic selection and CRISPR-based gene editing. These innovations are being adopted by major agribusinesses and research institutions, with significant projects underway in North America, Europe, and Asia. In livestock, genomics is facilitating the identification of genetic markers for productivity and health, supporting more efficient breeding programs and traceability in the food supply chain. Additionally, microbiome analysis is gaining traction for optimizing soil health and animal nutrition, further enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Investment opportunities are expanding across the agrifood genomics value chain. Venture capital and corporate investments are flowing into startups focused on genomic data analytics, precision breeding, and digital agriculture platforms. According to Grand View Research, the global agricultural genomics market is projected to reach USD 17.3 billion by 2025, driven by increased R&D spending and the adoption of advanced genomic tools. Strategic partnerships between genomics technology providers and agrifood companies are also accelerating commercialization and market penetration.
- Precision Breeding: Companies like Bayer and Syngenta are investing in genomics-driven breeding programs to develop high-yield, resilient crop varieties.
- Livestock Genomics: Firms such as Genus plc are leveraging genomics for genetic improvement in cattle and swine, enhancing productivity and disease resistance.
- Microbiome Solutions: Startups like Indigo Ag are utilizing genomics to engineer beneficial microbial products for crops, improving yield and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the convergence of genomics with digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, and blockchain is expected to unlock new business models and value creation opportunities. As regulatory frameworks evolve and consumer demand for traceable, sustainable food grows, agrifood genomics will remain a focal point for innovation and investment in 2025 and beyond.
Challenges, Risks, and Strategic Opportunities in Agrifood Genomics
The agrifood genomics sector in 2025 faces a complex landscape of challenges, risks, and strategic opportunities as it seeks to revolutionize food production, sustainability, and security. One of the primary challenges is the high cost and technical complexity of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and related genomic technologies. While sequencing costs have declined, the integration of genomics into breeding programs and supply chains still requires significant investment in infrastructure, skilled personnel, and data management systems. This is particularly acute in developing regions, where resource constraints can limit adoption and scalability.
Data privacy and intellectual property (IP) risks are also prominent. As genomic data becomes a valuable asset, concerns over data ownership, cross-border data flows, and the potential misuse of genetic information are intensifying. Regulatory frameworks are evolving, but inconsistencies between jurisdictions can create compliance burdens for multinational agrifood companies. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the U.S. regulatory environment differ significantly, complicating global operations for genomics firms (European Food Safety Authority).
Another risk is public perception and acceptance. Despite the scientific consensus on the safety of genomics-enabled crops and livestock, consumer skepticism persists, particularly regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene-edited products. This can influence market access and regulatory approvals, as seen in the slow adoption of CRISPR-edited crops in some regions (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
Strategic opportunities, however, are substantial. Precision breeding enabled by genomics can accelerate the development of crops and animals with improved yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience. This is critical as the agrifood sector faces mounting pressure to feed a growing global population under changing climatic conditions. Companies investing in digital platforms that integrate genomics, phenomics, and environmental data are well-positioned to offer end-to-end solutions for farmers and food producers (Bayer AG).
- Expansion into emerging markets, where food security is a priority, offers growth potential for genomics service providers.
- Collaborations between public research institutions and private companies can drive innovation and lower barriers to entry.
- Advances in AI and machine learning are enhancing the interpretation of complex genomic datasets, unlocking new value streams (Illumina, Inc.).
In summary, while agrifood genomics in 2025 is challenged by cost, regulatory, and societal hurdles, the sector’s strategic opportunities—driven by technological innovation and global food system needs—are poised to reshape the future of agriculture.
Sources & References
- MarketsandMarkets
- Illumina
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- FAO
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies
- QIAGEN N.V.
- Neogen Corporation
- BGI Genomics
- NRGene
- Corteva Agriscience
- Grand View Research
- Fortune Business Insights
- European Commission
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- CSIRO
- Embrapa
- Syngenta
- Genus plc
- Indigo Ag
- European Food Safety Authority