North America Oilseed Market (seed For Sowing) SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

North America Oilseed Market (seed For Sowing) Analysis

The North America Oilseed Market (seed For Sowing) size is estimated at 6.19 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 8.38 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.26% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The North American oilseed industry has witnessed significant technological advancements in breeding techniques and genetic modification. Transgenic breeding has emerged as the dominant technology, accounting for 80.9% of row crop breeding techniques in 2022, driven by improvements in the nutritional and technological qualities of oil crops. Advanced techniques like Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation, protoplast transfection, and agro-infiltration have revolutionized soybean development. This technological evolution has enabled seed companies to develop varieties with enhanced traits for disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved oil content.

The industry landscape is characterized by the increasing adoption of hybrid varieties and innovative product launches. Major seed companies are actively introducing new hybrid varieties to meet evolving market demands. For instance, in 2023, Pioneer Seeds launched 36 new soybean seed hybrid varieties with the Enlist E3 soybean trait, featuring defensive traits against soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome. The total acreage under hybrid oilseed cultivation reached 29.7 million hectares in 2022, demonstrating strong market acceptance of hybrid varieties.

Strategic collaborations and partnerships are reshaping the industry dynamics. In 2023, Corteva Agriscience, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., and Bunge formed a commercial collaboration to develop winter canola hybrids that produce plant-based oil with a lower carbon profile. Such partnerships are driving innovation in sustainable and high-performance seed varieties. Additionally, companies are investing in research and development to create seeds with specific traits that cater to both agricultural and industrial applications.

The market is experiencing a shift toward sustainable and specialized seed varieties. Oilseeds accounted for 22.9% of the North American seed market in 2022, with an increasing focus on developing varieties with high oleic content and improved nutritional profiles. Companies are investing in breeding programs to develop seeds that offer better resistance to diseases and pests while maintaining high yield potential. This trend is supported by the growing demand for plant-based proteins and sustainable agricultural practices, leading to increased investment in seed multiplication technology development and commercialization of new varieties.

North America Oilseed Market (seed For Sowing) Trends

Soybean occupied the major share of oilseed acreage, with growth potential toward canola and sunflower in Canada and Mexico, respectively

• North America is a significant global producer of oilseeds, primarily due to its favorable climate conditions. In 2022, oilseed crops covered 28.8% of the total cultivated area, spanning 49.8 million hectares. However, compared to 2017, there was a decrease in oilseed cultivation in 2018 and 2019 by 3.3% and 15%, respectively, due to the decline in soybean cultivation. This reduction was driven by China's trade restrictions, which reduced global demand for US varieties of soybeans, leading to lower soybean prices. Additionally, heavy spring rains in 2019 further contributed to the decline in soybean cultivation.
• The United States was the largest country in the region, which accounted for 75.3% in 2022, with 37.5 million hectares. Soybean was the major crop in the region, with 94.1% of the oilseed acreage in 2022. The higher share of soybeans was because of the approval of transgenic soybeans and higher returns for farmers owing to their demand for edible oil and protein concentrate for livestock feeding.
• Canada had an area of 11.8 million hectares under the cultivation of oilseeds segment in 2022, of which 77.4% of the acreage was occupied by canola. Canada is the largest producer of canola in the world. The demand for canola as vegetable oil and feed is anticipated to drive the area under canola cultivation during the forecast period. However, in Mexico, other oilseeds such as safflower, castor, and linseed have a major share. The area under safflower cultivation has increased because of the demand for its oil and the shift from cotton to oilseeds, as GM cotton is banned.
• Therefore, the increase in the number of edible oil and feed applications is driving the area under oilseed cultivation in the region.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Breeding Technology

Hybrids Segment in North America Oilseed Market

The hybrids segment dominates the North American oilseed market, accounting for approximately 93% of the market share in 2024, driven by the widespread adoption of both transgenic and non-transgenic hybrid varieties. This commanding position is attributed to the superior performance characteristics of hybrid seeds, including higher yields, improved disease resistance, and enhanced adaptability to various growing conditions. The segment's growth is particularly strong in key markets like the United States and Canada, where farmers increasingly prefer hybrid varieties for their consistent performance and technological advancements. The segment is also projected to maintain its market leadership while growing at around a 6% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, driven by continuous innovations in breeding technology, increasing demand for high-yielding varieties, and the growing adoption of genetically modified traits that offer resistance to pests and tolerance to herbicides.

Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives in North America Oilseed Market

The Open Pollinated Varieties (OPV) and hybrid derivatives segment represents a smaller but significant portion of the North American oilseed market, serving specific market niches and requirements. This segment is particularly important in organic farming systems and regions where traditional farming practices are preferred. OPVs are valued for their genetic diversity, ability to adapt to local conditions, and the farmers' capability to save seeds for subsequent seasons. The segment maintains its relevance in Mexico and other regions where regulations on GMOs are stricter, providing alternatives to hybrid varieties. Additionally, these varieties play a crucial role in breeding programs and genetic preservation, contributing to the overall sustainability and diversity of the oilseed industry in North America.

Segment Analysis: Crop

Soybean Segment in North America Oilseed Market

The soybean segment dominates the North American oilseed market, commanding approximately 78% of the market share in 2024. This substantial market position is primarily attributed to the increasing demand from the food, oil, and feed industries across the region. The United States leads in soybean cultivation with about 88% of the regional production, driven by robust domestic and export demand, particularly from countries like China, Mexico, and Europe. The segment's growth is further supported by the widespread adoption of transgenic (GM) seeds in major producing countries like the United States and Canada, where more than 93% of soybean cultivation utilizes hybrid seeds. The segment demonstrates strong growth potential, driven by the rising demand for soybean-based products such as tofu, soybean-based dairy substitutes, and processed meat alternatives, reflecting changing consumer preferences toward plant-based protein products. Additionally, the segment benefits from continuous technological advancements in seed development, particularly in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and high-yielding varieties.

Remaining Segments in North America Oilseed Market

The remaining segments in the North American oilseed market include canola, rapeseed & mustard, sunflower planting seed, and other oilseeds, each playing distinct roles in the regional agricultural landscape. The canola, rapeseed & mustard segment holds significant importance, particularly in Canada, where it is driven by increasing demand for renewable fuel and growing awareness of health benefits due to lower saturated fat content. The sunflower planting seed segment, though smaller, maintains its position in the market through its dual-purpose nature, serving both the edible oil sector and the snack food industry. Other oilseeds, including safflower, flaxseed, castor, and linseed, contribute to market diversity by catering to specific industrial applications, from bioproducts to specialized oil productions. These segments collectively enhance the market's resilience by providing alternatives to farmers and meeting diverse consumer and industrial needs across the region.

North America Oilseed Market (seed For Sowing) Geography Segment Analysis

North America Oilseed Market in the United States

The U.S. oilseed market dominates the North American oilseed sector, commanding approximately 75% of the total market value in 2024. The country's leadership position is primarily driven by its extensive soybean cultivation, which accounts for over 90% of its oilseed production. The United States maintains its competitive edge through advanced agricultural practices, widespread adoption of transgenic varieties, and strong export relationships with key markets, including China, Mexico, and Europe. The country's robust infrastructure for seed development, testing, and distribution further strengthens its market position. Farmers in the United States have shown an increasing preference for hybrid and transgenic varieties, particularly those offering enhanced traits such as herbicide tolerance and disease resistance. The shift from traditional wheat cultivation to more profitable oilseed crops, especially canola, has been notable in recent years, driven by favorable market prices and growing domestic demand for healthy cooking oils.

North America Oilseed Market in Canada

Canada represents a significant force in the North American oilseed market, particularly in canola production, where it stands as the world's largest producer. The country's oilseed sector benefits from extensive research and development initiatives, focusing on developing varieties suited to its unique climate conditions. Canadian farmers have widely embraced transgenic canola varieties, which have significantly contributed to increased yields and market growth. The country's strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship has led to the development of specialized oilseed varieties that align with these priorities. The integration of advanced breeding technologies and robust quality control measures has helped maintain Canada's reputation for premium oilseed products. The country's well-established export infrastructure and strategic trade relationships have facilitated steady market expansion. Additionally, the growing demand for canola-based biofuels has created new opportunities for market growth, supported by government initiatives promoting renewable energy sources.

North America Oilseed Market in Mexico

Mexico's oilseed market demonstrates unique characteristics shaped by its distinct agricultural policies and market dynamics. The country's approach to oilseed cultivation is notably influenced by its regulations on genetically modified organisms, particularly the restrictions on GM crop cultivation. Mexican farmers have shown increasing interest in alternative oilseed crops, particularly safflower, which has gained popularity due to its adaptability to local conditions and growing demand for its oil. The country's agricultural sector has focused on developing conventional and hybrid varieties that align with its regulatory framework while meeting the growing domestic demand for oilseed products. Mexico's strategic position and trade relationships within North America have influenced its market development, although challenges such as weather variability and limited irrigation infrastructure impact production stability. The country has been actively working to enhance its domestic oilseed production capabilities through improved farming practices and seed technologies.

North America Oilseed Market in Other Countries

The oilseed market in other North American countries, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama, and Haiti, presents a diverse landscape with unique regional characteristics. These markets are primarily focused on meeting domestic consumption needs, with varying levels of agricultural development and market sophistication. Costa Rica stands out for its progressive approach to agricultural technology, being the only country among these nations to approve genetically modified crops. The shift in dietary preferences towards plant-based protein products has created new opportunities for oilseed cultivation in these regions. These countries have shown increasing interest in adopting improved seed varieties and modern farming practices to enhance productivity. Local agricultural policies and development initiatives play crucial roles in shaping market dynamics, while environmental conditions and available resources influence cultivation patterns and crop choices.

Free With This Report

We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country-level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 90+ free charts, the section covers difficult-to-find data from various regions regarding the area under cultivation for different crops within the scope