Global population is projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050 and it would be a challenge to ensure adequate crop production to meet growing food needs. This would create potential opportunities for crop improvement and plant science. However, the objective is challenging, particularly because average crop production has been rising by around 1.3% per year. This speed is not enough to meet the pace of population growth. Nevertheless, the industry is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to initiatives undertaken to overcome this challenge.

Climate change is also one of the key challenges for ensuring global food security. According to a study conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2016, global warming and increasing frequency of extreme weather events would adversely affect livestock, crops, forestry, and aquaculture productivity during the years to come.

Efforts to ensure food security include strengthening the adaptive capacity of rural communities to withstand variations in climate. Rising use of mobile technology to access information about farming practices, pest control, crop diseases, and land management is expected to help farmers increase their profitability and productivity. It is also anticipated to help them reduce environmental footprint.

Plant biotechnology delivers tangible and significant environmental benefits. It also works in favor of consumers and farmers around the world. Plant breeders have managed to leverage the knowledge of genetics and plant biotechnology instruments to enhance crop quality and overall yield. Moreover, sustainable development goals to secure human needs, such as healthcare, adequate food supply, and provision of accessible, affordable, and clean energy, are also expected to contribute to market growth.