| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 98.56 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 112.88 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 2.75% |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
China Forage Seed Market Analysis
The China Forage Seed Market size is estimated at USD 98.56 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 112.88 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.75% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The demand for forage seed in China is growing significantly. China's growing population and rising income levels have increased the demand for animal protein, boosting the livestock and dairy industries. This has driven the need for high-quality forage crops. With increasing urbanization and dietary changes, the demand for dairy and meat products has grown, necessitating a higher supply of quality feed. For instance 2023, per capita pork meat consumption increased to 28 kg from 27.5 kg in 2021, according to the OECD.
China's domestic forage seed production does not meet its growing demand, making the country heavily reliant on imports. According to the USDA's Planting Seeds Annual 2024 report, China is the largest importer of forage seeds in the Asia-Pacific region, with an import value of USD 3.0 million in 2022/23, up from USD 1.3 million in 2021. The United States was the major exporter to China, accounting for USD 1.1 million in 2021/22.
Ryegrass seed is China's top imported grass seed, comprising 56 percent of total grass seed imports in MY 2022/23. Annual ryegrass is primarily used as forage for feeding cows, sheep, poultry, and fish, while perennial ryegrass is predominantly used for ecological purposes and lawn applications. According to the 2024 China Grass Seed Supply and Demand Analysis Report, two-thirds of imported ryegrass seeds were perennial, and one-third were annual in the first eight months of 2023. Additionally, Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and clover grass mostly used for ecological and lawn purposes—together accounted for 16 percent of total grass seed imports in MY 2022/23.
China Forage Seed Market Trends
Increasing Livestock Production Driving the Demand for Forage Seeds
The growth of livestock production is driving the expansion of the forage seed market in China. Over the past three decades, China's livestock industry has undergone a significant transformation, profoundly impacting domestic and global food supply,
According to the FAO, the population of cattle and buffaloes in China increased from 102.3 million in 2022 to 105.2 million in 2023, reflecting a 2.9% growth. This upward trend supports the expansion of the meat and seafood markets. Moreover, growing awareness of the health benefits of balanced nutrition has fueled consumer demand for meat and dairy products in China.
To meet this rising demand, meat production grew from 95.2 million metric tons in 2022 to 99.2 million metric tons in 2023. This surge in meat consumption, coupled with limited land and water resources for animal feed production and competing resource demands for food and ethanol production, has significantly boosted the demand for animal feed in the meat industry.
Therefore, the expansion of the livestock population with rising demand for meat drives the growth of the market.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Cereal Crops Dominates the Market
Government initiatives are significantly driving the demand for forage seeds in China, with cereal forage crops emerging as the leading segment. Programs like the “Grain-to-Fodder Conversion” have played a pivotal role in expanding cereal forage cultivation. In 2023, this program facilitated the conversion of 23.25 million mu (approximately 1.55 million hectares) for forage cultivation, yielding 68.5 million metric tons of high-quality forage and reducing cattle and sheep concentrate feed consumption by nearly 13 million metric tons.
According to the 2024 China Grass Seed Supply and Demand Analysis Report, cereal forage crops, particularly silage corn and oats, dominate the market due to their high nutritional value and widespread adoption. While Arrhenatherum elatius accounted for 54% of total forage seed production in 2023–2024, followed by alfalfa at 21% and ryegrass at 18%, the demand for cereal forage crops continues to rise, driven by their essential role in livestock nutrition.
The growing need for high-quality forage to support the expanding poultry and livestock industries is further fueling demand for cereal forage crops. Rich in essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, these crops play a crucial role in meeting the dietary requirements of livestock.
Additionally, China’s forage production and processing industries have experienced rapid development. Approximately 1,600 grass-product processing enterprises and cooperatives are now operational, producing around 10 million tons of high-quality commodity forage annually. Notably, about 80% of the nation’s silage corn is produced through integrated “planting and breeding” or “order acquisition” systems, ensuring an efficient production and supply chain.
Technical support from the National Animal Husbandry Station has also been instrumental in promoting region-specific forage industry models tailored to local climatic and resource conditions. These developments, along with strong government backing, are driving sustained growth in the cereal forage seed market, reinforcing its position as the dominant segment in China’s forage seed industry.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
China Forage Seed Industry Segmentation
The China forage seed market is semi-consolidated. The major forage seed companies in China include AMPAC seed company, Forage Genetics International, LLC, Pennington Seed, Inc., DLF, Groupe Limagrain, and Barrenbrug China. Mergers & Acquisitions, expansions, partnerships, and product launches are the most adopted business strategies by these major players in the market.
China Forage Seed Market Leaders
-
AMPAC Seed Company
-
Forage Genetics International, LLC
-
Pennington Seed, Inc.
-
DLF
-
Barenbrug China
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF
China Forage Seed Market News
- May 2024: S&W Seed Company launched Double Team Forage Sorghum, expanding its proprietary sorghum trait technology portfolio. The Double Team Forage Sorghum technology provides growers with a non-GMO weed control solution that can be applied directly over the crop to manage grassy weeds.
- June 2022: Corteva Agriscience introduced Bovalta BMR (brown midrib) corn silage product that is designed to meet the highest yield and milk production standards.
China Forage Seed Industry Segmentation
Forages are plants or parts of plants eaten by herbivorous animals. The report covers the seed market of forage crops with an analysis of different types of forages and their prospects in China. The China Forage Seed Market is segmented by Crop type (Cereals, Legumes, and Grasses), and Product Type (Stored Forage and Fresh Forage). The Report Offers the Market Size and Forecasts in Terms of Value in (USD) and Volume in (Metric Tons) for all the Above Segments.
| Crop Type | Cereals | Forage Corn | |
| Forage Sorghum | |||
| Other Cereals | |||
| Legumes | Alfalfa | ||
| Other Legumes | |||
| Grasses | |||
| Product Type | Fresh Forage | ||
| Stored Forage | |||
Crop Type
| Cereals | Forage Corn |
| Forage Sorghum | |
| Other Cereals | |
| Legumes | Alfalfa |
| Other Legumes | |
| Grasses |
Product Type
| Fresh Forage |
| Stored Forage |
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now
China Forage Seed Market Research Faqs
How big is the China Forage Seed Market?
The China Forage Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 98.56 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 2.75% to reach USD 112.88 million by 2030.
What is the current China Forage Seed Market size?
In 2025, the China Forage Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 98.56 million.
Who are the key players in China Forage Seed Market?
AMPAC Seed Company, Forage Genetics International, LLC, Pennington Seed, Inc., DLF and Barenbrug China are the major companies operating in the China Forage Seed Market.
What years does this China Forage Seed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the China Forage Seed Market size was estimated at USD 95.85 million. The report covers the China Forage Seed Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the China Forage Seed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
China Forage Seed Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 China Forage Seed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. China Forage Seed analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
