Economy

New genetic modification techniques (NGTs) are presented by their proponents as a mean of promoting innovation in seed production and broadening farmers’ choices. However, the US experience shows that deregulating GMOs is not enough to make them accessible to users. According to a 2023 report by the US Department of Agriculture, the significant increase in patent fees on GMOs is hindering access to seeds in general. Europe, which has just adopted its regulation on GMOs produced using NGTs, arguing that it is necessary to boost variety innovation, was nevertheless aware of this report on the situation in the US.

In times of war, market concentration allows companies to reap even greater profits, while farmers and consumers around the world suffer from rising fertilizer and food prices. This report provides a snapshot of the state of concentration in the agri-food sector. It follows up on the 2025 edition and assesses the state of market concentration in six key agricultural sectors: commercial seeds, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, agricultural machinery, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and livestock genetics.

In June 2025, Limagrain, a French multinational seed company, signed a partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), an Emirati sovereign wealth fund. In early October, this partnership resulted in the creation of a joint venture including a research unit focused on “genetic editing”.

“How can we feed 10 billion people in 2050 with limited natural resources? To address this challenge, agritech start-ups are capitalising on the latest research findings to offer disruptive innovations and provide more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions” . This is how agritech is presented by BPI France, the French public investment bank. Once again, we see the famous promise to feed the world. To achieve this goal, we need to innovate, invest, digitise, robotise…

After genetic sequences and DNA, here comes RNA, the new flagship molecule in biotechnology that is supposed to solve agricultural and health problems. Companies in this field are flourishing. Among them is GreenLight Biosciences, a company that was on the verge of bankruptcy when it was bought by the investment fund Fall Line Capital.