Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Genetically modified crops - statistics & facts
Genetically modified (GM) crops - plants engineered to express traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved yield - have become a foundational pillar of commercial agriculture worldwide. With the global population on track to exceed nine billion by mid-century, GM crops are widely credited with boosting yields and supporting food security. In 2025, global GM crop acreage reached roughly 216 million hectares. GM crops also remain at the center of debates around long-term safety, corporate control of seeds, and access for farmers, while gene editing tools like CRISPR are prompting new regulatory discussions.
How soybean shapes GM landscape
The global area devoted to GM crops has grown steadily since the mid-2010s, though at a slower pace than in earlier decades. By country comparison, the U.S. had the largest acreage of GM crops in 2025, followed closely by Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India. Four crops account for virtually all commercially grown GM varieties. Soybean leads decisively, representing 49.2 percent of total GM crop area by type in 2025, while maize accounted for 34.6 percent. Genetically engineered crops started to become popular in the United States after agrochemical company Monsanto introduced their 'Roundup Ready' soybeans in the mid-nineties. Between 1992 and 2024, Monsanto filed the most global GM crop regulatory applications of any company, with 1,287 submissions - more than double that of second-ranked Syngenta at 638.
Where shoppers stand on GMO labels
Many consumers have strong opinions against the production and consumption of genetically modified foods. A 2025 survey found that non-GMO labels ranked as the least influential health-related attribute among U.S. grocery shoppers across all generations, trailing well behind priorities like high protein content and reduced sugar. As GM acreage continues to expand and more than 30 countries have approved GM crops for cultivation or import, the conversation around genetically modified food appears to be shifting toward questions of labeling, transparency, and individual dietary priorities.
