GM crops hit record highs: Latin America reshapes global agricultural power
Genetically modified crops reach record global levels, with Latin America leading growth and redefining productivity, trade dynamics, and food security worldwide.
On May 11, 2026, new global data confirmed a major shift in agriculture: genetically modified (GM) crops reached a record 223 million hectares across 44 countries, according to the ISAAA, underscoring their growing role in boosting productivity, strengthening food security, and reshaping global competitiveness, with Latin America emerging as a key driver of growth.
The expansion is significant. Global GM acreage increased from 190.4 million hectares in 2019 to 223 million in 2024, highlighting how agricultural biotechnology is becoming a core pillar of modern farming systems in both developed and emerging markets.
Latin America overtakes North America and shifts global leadership
One of the most impactful takeaways is that Latin America has surpassed North America in GM crop production, led by Brazil and Argentina. This transition reflects not only scale but also a strategic advantage driven by technology adoption, cost efficiency, and export-oriented production systems.
Today, more than 90% of GM crop acreage is concentrated in five countries: the United States, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada. The dominant crops remain soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola, which are critical to global food, feed, and biofuel supply chains.
At the same time, the technology is expanding. Over 30 GM crop varieties have been approved worldwide, including alfalfa, rice, and mustard, signaling broader adoption across different agricultural segments.
Innovation meets climate pressure: the new growth equation
The acceleration of GM crop adoption is closely tied to climate challenges and resource constraints. New technologies are delivering insect resistance, drought tolerance, and improved water-use efficiency, all essential in an era of increasing weather volatility.
Recent breakthroughs include TELA maize in Africa, designed to withstand pests and drought; a disease-resistant banana approved in Australia; and a high-yield eucalyptus variety in Brazil, with implications for both agriculture and forestry industries.
In Latin America, the approval of drought-tolerant wheat and sugarcane varieties signals a new phase of adoption, with the potential to enhance resilience and stabilize production under extreme climate conditions.
Meanwhile, the FAO has reinforced the importance of science-based solutions. During COP30 in 2025, Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized that genetic innovation is critical to addressing global food insecurity, highlighting the development of crops with enhanced photosynthesis, improved water efficiency, and tolerance to floods and droughts.
