GMO testing market seen reaching $6.2 billion by 2031

The global GMO testing market is projected to grow from $3.9 billion in 2021 to $6.2 billion by 2031, powered by wider adoption of genetically modified crops, tighter regulatory testing needs and rising demand for non-GMO and organic products. North America led in 2021, while Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth through 2031.

Why it matters: - GMO testing helps verify food, feed and seed claims in a market where consumers, regulators and buyers want more transparency. - The market is also tied to trade, certification and compliance, making testing a practical requirement rather than a niche service. - Wider use of genetically modified crops can increase demand for testing across agriculture, grain handling and food supply chains.

What happened: - The GMO testing market is projected to reach $6.2 billion by 2031. - The market was valued at $3.9 billion in 2021. - The market is expected to grow at a 4.8% CAGR from 2022 to 2031. - The report covers the market by technology, crop type, trait and region. - Allied Market Research released the outlook on June 22, 2026.

The details: - Rising adoption of genetically modified crops is the main growth driver for GMO testing. - Consumer demand for information about food ingredients is pushing retailers and manufacturers to verify non-GMO claims. - Regulatory requirements in many countries are increasing the need for reliable GMO testing. - Advances in technology are making testing faster and more precise. - Instant test kits are gaining traction and are expected to support market growth. - Organic and non-GMO certifications often require GMO testing. - Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests are used to identify and quantify GMOs in human food and feed samples. - GMO testing is used by seed makers to protect genetic identity and confirm the presence or absence of specific traits. - Seed manufacturers use testing to verify seed lot purity and intended trait composition. - Grain handlers and mills use testing to separate grain for different end users. - The report says a lack of standardized testing methods, limited awareness, regulatory complexity, limited testing capacity and resistance from the biotech industry remain challenges. - Different national regulations and testing requirements can create barriers to trade. - The report also says there is no universally accepted standard for GMO testing, which can lead to variability in results.

Between the lines: - The market is being shaped by a tension between rising demand for verification and uneven public understanding of GMO science. - Europe remains a politically sensitive market because public debate over GM crops and new genomic breeding technology is still unresolved. - The report argues that GMO adoption can raise yields, lift farm income and reduce some pesticide use. - Less tillage farming tied to certain GMO crop sprays can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support soil carbon absorption. - North America held around two-fifths of the global market share in 2021, helped by heavy use of GM soybeans, corn and cotton. - Asia-Pacific is projected to grow the fastest at 7.1% CAGR during the forecast period, supported by consumer demand and export requirements.

What's next: - More demand should come from the spread of instant test kits and broader use of certification-based testing. - Further tightening of GMO labeling and testing rules could expand recurring demand for laboratories and test providers. - Market growth will likely depend on whether standards become more consistent across countries. - The report lists major players including ALS Limited, Eurofins Scientific, SGS SA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and R-Biopharm AG. - Allied Market Research offers a sample report, purchase inquiry option and related market reports through its website.