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Genetically modified crops - statistics & facts

Genetically modified crops, also known as GM crops, are plants used in agriculture which have been modified by using genetic engineering methods. Other names commonly used for these crops are genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, and Biotechnology. The genetic modifications are done in order to create crop varieties with desirable traits, such as tolerance against herbicides and specific pests.

Acreage of GM crops

Since 2015, the acreage of has increased slightly, but this rate of growth is much slower than in previous years. In 2019, nearly 190 million hectares were planted with genetically engineered crops worldwide. By country comparison, the United States had the Brazil and Argentina are the next leaders in acreage of GM crops. Genetically engineered crops started to become popular in the United States after agrochemical company Monsanto introduced their ‘Roundup Ready’ soybeans in the mid-nineties. Today, remain the GM crop accounting for the largest proportion of GM crop acreage worldwide, followed by corn. One of the main reported benefits of adopting genetically engineered crops is increased crop yields.

GM crops in the U.S.

Almost all have been genetically modified to be tolerant against herbicides. Some variants of corn and cotton also take up about 80 percent of the total acreage of crops in the U.S. Corn is the second most common GM crop in the U.S. as of 2019. Corn saw a sharp increase in acreage in 2018, but has since returned to 2017 values.

GM crops in Canada

Canada is also producing GM soybeans and corn, but is also producing , though the seeded area of GM canola has decreased by about one million hectares since 2017. Out of all only ten percent remain with non-genetically modified crops. of seeded areas, but are still the majority of all soybeans crops in Canada.

Consumer attitudes and understanding

Many consumers have strong opinions against the production and consumption of genetically modified foods. A survey released in 2019 showed that in many European countries, more than half of consumers genetically modified foods. Another survey in the U.S. revealed that many Americans are of genetically modified food. Consumers are also concerned about possible negative environmental outcomes of genetically modified food production.
This text provides general information. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Research Department, Dec 17, 2025

Key insights

  • Acreage of genetically modified crops worldwide
  • 216m ha
  • Acreage of genetically modified soybean crops worldwide
  • 91.9m ha
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Current statistics on this topic

Crop Production

Area of genetically modified crops worldwide 2025, by country

Crop Production

Distribution of genetically modified (GM) crop area worldwide in 2025, by crop

Crop Production

Biotech and non-biotech corn area in the U.S. 2025

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GM crops in Canada

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GM crops in Canada

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