
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
CAGR | 5.20 % |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South Africa Seed Market Analysis
The South Africa Seed Market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.
South Africa Seed Market Trends
Need for Meeting the Nutritional Security
The growing health consciousness among South African consumers has resulted in consumers spending more on healthier foods such as vegetables. The agencies like The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Agency, along with various international, local, and government associations, are supporting the South Africa nutritional security programs. This is thus driving the production of fruits and vegetables in the country. For instance, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), in 2016 the vegetable production was 2580.98 thousand metric tons that have increased to 2694.29 thousand metric tons in 2017. Also, fruit production in the country increased from 6565.22 thousand metric tons to 6893.87 thousand metric tons during the same period. Thus the rising production will create demand for quality seeds to increase the productivity to meet the consumption demand.

Demand for Quality Seeds
The increase in the population level of the country has fueled the demand for higher productivity. With the growing population and shrinking plots of cultivable land, the demand for quality seeds is increasing. COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) reports that just 23% of the smallholders have access to certified seeds, which indicates huge scope for the quality seeds.
According to ISF the South Africa seeds export valued USD 120 million in 2017 against USD 110 million in 2016, which indicates the growing seed market. Crop yields in Africa are the lowest in the world, due to limited access to quality inputs especially improved seed varieties suitable for the different climatic conditions and soils.
According to FAO, in 2016 yield of cereals was 38,176 hg/ha which increased significantly to 56440 hg/ha in 2017 and shown a decline in yield which was 49335hg/ha in 2018. This fluctuation in yield can be overcome by using quality seeds that ensure good germination and protection against adverse conditions. This indicates the growth of the market for seeds in the country.

South Africa Seed Industry Overview
The South Africa seed sector is slightly fragmented. Companies are highly focused on the introduction of new varieties of seeds. Some of the other strategies followed are mergers and acquisitions, expansion, and research to outstand the competition. Some of the leading companies are Capstone Seeds, Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta Seed S.A. (Pty.) Ltd, Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V., and Bayer (Pty) Ltd, South Africa.
South Africa Seed Market Leaders
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Corteva Agriscience
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Capstone seeds
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Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V.
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Syngenta
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

South Africa Seed Industry Segmentation
A seed is the ripened fertilized ovule of a flowering plant containing an embryo and capable normally of germination to produce a new plant. For the purpose of this report, seeds have been defined as the seeds for sowing at farmer level. In this report market sizing has been at the farmer level. The report provides an in-depth analysis of various parameters of the seeds market. The market has been segmented based on the type of product and crop type. Also, relevant sub-segmentations have been discussed in the report.
Product Type | Transgenic Hybrids |
Non-Transgenic Hybrids | |
Open-Pollinated Varieties | |
Crop Type | Grains and Cereals |
Pulses and Oilseeds | |
Fruits and Vegetables | |
Other Crops |
South Africa Seed Market Research FAQs
What is the current South Africa Seed Market size?
The South Africa Seed Market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in South Africa Seed Market?
Corteva Agriscience, Capstone seeds, Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V. and Syngenta are the major companies operating in the South Africa Seed Market.
What years does this South Africa Seed Market cover?
The report covers the South Africa Seed Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Seed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South Africa Seeds Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South Africa Seed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South Africa 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.