Forage Seed Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Forage Seed Market is segmented By Origin (Organic, Inorganic), By Form (Green, Dry), By Crops (Alfalfa, Chicory, Clover, Ryegrass, Others), By Species (Legumes, Grasses, Others), By Breeding Technology (Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives) and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

Global Forage Seed Market reached US$ 14.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 31.0 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period 2024-2031. 

The global forage seeds market plays a crucial role in supporting livestock nutrition and sustainable agriculture. Driven by rising demand for animal products and advancements in seed technology, the market is experiencing steady growth. Innovations in seed genetics enhance forage quality and yield, while a growing focus on sustainability promotes the use of seeds that support efficient farming practices and soil health. 

In addition, the protein availability from poultry, pork, beef and sheep meat is expected to increase, particularly for poultry and beef, the demand for livestock feed, including forages, will similarly rise. According to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2022-2031, global protein availability from poultry, pork, beef and sheep meat is projected to grow by 16%, 17%, 8% and 16%, respectively, by 2031.

Asia-Pacific dominated the global forage seed market. The region is one of the largest producers of livestock globally, including cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2023), Asia has an overall 473.05 number of cattle in 2022. Forage is essential for the feeding of these animals, contributing significantly to the demand for forage crops.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Rising Demand for Livestock Food

The rising demand for livestock food significantly drives the global forage seeds market. With a global cattle population of approximately 1.55 billion in 2022 and 978 million pigs alongside a record sheep population of 1.27 billion, the need for high-quality forage is more critical than ever. 

The expanding livestock population increases the demand for nutritious forage to sustain and enhance animal production. Consequently, there is a heightened interest in advanced forage seed varieties that offer high yields, superior nutritional value and resilience to environmental challenges. This growing demand also promotes sustainable farming practices and drives innovations in forage seed technology, contributing to the overall growth of the forage seeds market.

Developments In Precision Agriculture And Organic Farming

Ongoing developments in precision agriculture and organic farming are significantly driving growth in the forage seeds market. Precision agriculture, with its use of technologies like GPS and data analytics, optimizes resource use, enhances seed selection and boosts productivity, leading to increased demand for high-performance forage seeds that thrive under these advanced conditions. 

Similarly, the rise of organic farming heightens the demand for organic forage seeds, driven by a focus on soil health and consumer preference for organic products. Both trends promote the need for seeds that support sustainability, efficiency and innovation, fueling market expansion as farmers seek varieties that align with these evolving agricultural practices.

Climate Variability Challenges

Climate variability challenges the forage seeds market by impacting production and seed quality. Extreme weather, such as droughts or heavy rainfall, can stress crops, reduce yields and affect nutritional value. These conditions make it difficult to maintain consistent feed quality, highlighting the need for resilient seed varieties and adaptive management practices.

Market Segment Analysis

The global forage seed market is segmented based on origin, form, crops, species, breeding technology and region.

Growing Consumer Preference for Organic 

The global forage seed market is segmented based on origin into organic and inorganic. The organic origin forage seeds segment accounted for the largest share. The dominance of organic forage seeds in the global market is driven by increasing consumer demand for organic products, which are valued for their health benefits and environmental sustainability. According to USDA 2021 data, US organic retail sales have grown at an average annual rate of 8% over the past decade.

In 2021, US farms and ranches sold US$ 11.2 billion worth of certified organic commodities, marking a 13% increase from US$ 9.9 billion in 2019. Of this total, 54% were sales of crops. Organic forage seeds align with these preferences by promoting better soil health and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. Regulatory support and incentives further bolster their use, while the premium pricing of organic products attracts farmers. 

Market Geographical Share

High Agriculture and Livestock Prensce in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific’s dominance in the global forage market is a direct result of its agricultural efficiency and vast, diverse agricultural sectors. According to the FAO, China has achieved notable agricultural efficiency by producing a quarter of the world's grain and feeding a fifth of the global population, all while utilizing less than 10 percent of the world's arable land. This underscores the region’s efficiency in forage production, supporting its massive livestock sector.

The presence of the largest livestock population in the region highly demands forage seeds for the livestock, enhancing the market expansion. The 20th Livestock Census in India reported a total of 536.76 million animals, reflecting a 4.8% increase from the 2012 census. Of this total, 514.11 million are found in rural areas, while 22.65 million are in urban areas, representing 95.78% and 4.22% respectively.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Corteva Agriscience, DLF, Foragenseeds, Advanta Seeds, S&W Seed Co., Proline Seeds Company India Pvt Ltd, Barenbrug, Land O’Lakes Inc., Shriram Seeds Pvt Ltd and Best Forage, LLC.

By Origin

• Organic
• Inorganic

By Form

• Green (Fresh)
• Dry (Stored)

By Crops

• Alfalfa
• Chicory 
• Clover 
• Ryegrass
• Others

By Species

• Legumes
• Grasses
• Others

By Breeding Technology

• Hybrids
  • Non-Transgenic Hybrids
  • Transgenic Hybrids
• Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In May 2024, S&W Seed Company announced the launch of Double Team Forage Sorghum, a new addition to its innovative and proprietary sorghum trait technology portfolio. This novel forage sorghum offers growers a non-GMO solution for controlling grassy weeds, enhancing their weed management options.
• In July 2024, The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched its 'One Scientist-One Product' initiative and unveiled 323 new crop varieties, including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops and sugarcane. This includes 289 climate-resilient and 27 bio-fortified varieties.
• In December 2023, MAS Seeds, known for its expertise in maize and sunflower, is unveiling its new MAS4 range in France. This range features cover crops, forage blends and specialized mixtures. With this launch, MAS Seeds seeks to deliver a unique and innovative solution to advance its new strategy.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global forage seed market segmentation based on origin, form, crops, species, breeding technology and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the forage seed market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global forage seed market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 71 figures and 253 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies