Adoption record: GM crops reached 210 mln ha in 2024

The global adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops — commonly known as transgenics — continues to rise, driven by advances in crop technology and increasing regulatory approval. South America saw the highest growth in GM crop area with a 3.5% increase, followed by North America at 1.1%.

The United States remains the global leader, cultivating 75.4 million hectares of GM crops, up 1.3% from the previous year. Brazil follows with 67.9 million hectares (+1.4%), while Argentina experienced significant growth of 8.3%, reaching 23.8 million hectares.

Among countries planting more than 100,000 hectares, the most notable area expansions occurred in Vietnam (+93.2%), Uruguay (+49.8%), Spain (+40.3%), and Myanmar (+39.2%). These increases were driven by both a general expansion of planted area and higher adoption rates of GM varieties, according to a press release from ChileBio.

On the other hand, the most significant declines in GM crop area were seen in Pakistan (-16.7%), India (-7.1%), South Africa (-0.5%), Canada (-0.4%), and Australia (-0.3%).

The leading genetically modified (GM) crops remain soybeans, which account for approximately 105.1 million hectares — nearly half of all GM crop area worldwide. They are followed by corn (68.4 million hectares), cotton (24.8 million), and canola (10.4 million).

Among the key benefits of GM crop adoption are improved productivity and enhanced sustainability. Certain GM traits have been shown to boost yields per hectare, enabling more efficient use of existing farmland. Additionally, herbicide- and pest-resistant varieties help reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by supporting low-tillage practices, which contribute to carbon sequestration and soil preservation.

The continued expansion of GM crop adoption reflects not just growth in hectares planted but also advances in biotechnology. In 2024 alone, 28 countries approved new GM varieties, including golden rice and other crops with novel traits.

China presents a notable case. With a 98.3% adoption rate of GM cotton, the country has recently moved forward with GM corn and soybean cultivation. Although these crops are currently in advanced commercial trial phases, the report estimates that China planted 666,000 hectares of GM corn in 2024 as part of the testing phase. Once full commercialization is underway, GM corn is expected to expand across much of China’s approximately 43 million hectares of corn-growing land — potentially making China the world leader in transgenic corn area.

The report underscores that agricultural biotechnology is providing vital solutions — enabling scientists to develop crop varieties that are more productive, resilient, and nutritious. At the same time, it empowers farmers to adopt technologies that help address key challenges like pests, drought, and climate change, ultimately supporting more sustainable agricultural production.

“The record growth in the area of GM crops (209.8 million hectares) is not just a fact, but represents a global commitment to more efficient, resilient and sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Miguel Ángel Sánchez, executive director of ChileBio. “It is proof that biotechnological innovation can be inclusive, accountable and aligned with the current challenges of agricultural development. Biotechnology is helping to guarantee food for a constantly changing planet.”

According to ChileBio, Chile maintains a regulatory framework that permits the production of genetically modified (GM) seeds exclusively for export. This has positioned the country as a key player in counter-season seed production for the Northern Hemisphere, as well as a hub for field research and validation of new GM crop varieties. In fact, nearly all GM corn, soybean, and canola crops currently on the global market have undergone field testing and/or seed multiplication in Chile.

Over the past two decades, Chile’s average annual exports of GM seeds have been valued at around US $120 million, with research and development (R\&D) services contributing an additional US $23 million. The sector reached a peak in the 2012/2013 season, with total exports hitting US $351 million — US $325 million from seed exports and US $26 million from R&D services.To see the full report: https://gm.agbioinvestor.com/downloads

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