GDM gaining traction in the South African market

GDM, a global leader in plant genetics, continues to grow in the South African market with the launch of new varieties featuring Intacta technology and the recent commercialization of two successful wheat varieties. This positive outlook is further bolstered by the projected launches of Enlist and Conkesta biotechnologies, and in the medium term, Xtend 2; along with excellent results from wheat trials in 2024.

GDM’s foray into South Africa dates back to 2005, when the company began its first soybean trials. Nearly a decade of efforts culminated in the launch of the first commercial variety in 2014, featuring Round Up Ready technology. Currently, 70% of sales are with Intacta technology through Agricol, the company’s primary partner in South Africa.

Regarding wheat, the first commercial varieties were launched in 2023 (Is Tordo and DM 1817T), and in the second year, 26,000 25-kilo bags were sold. The current five-year projection is to achieve a 50% market share in South Africa.

In 2024, GDM successfully completed wheat yield trials with impressive results: over 4.0 tons per hectare in the Swartland and Overberg regions. The company’s cutting-edge wheat genetics were officially accepted by the Wheat Technical Committee, marking a significant milestone in its expansion within the South African market.

″We are delighted with the extraordinary results of our yield trials, which have validated the potential of our wheat genetics in South Africa,″ said Facundo Stella, GDM’s South Africa Commercial Manager. ″These results reflect our commitment to offering superior high-yielding varieties that meet farmers’ needs and contribute to the region’s food security,″ he added.

Stella also spoke about GDM’s latest market developments and future plans: ″In soybeans, we project doubling current sales within five years. Future biotechnology launches will provide solutions to South African farmers regarding weeds and Bollworms, the region’s main pest. Additionally, we are testing Biotrigo materials, specializing in high yield potential and quality, corn hybrids, sorghum – starting next year – and we are considering testing sunflower in the short term,″ he concluded.

For GDM, this achievement is a new chapter in its long history of agricultural innovation. With an independent breeding program spanning over four decades and a strong focus on research and development, the company continues to offer high-yielding crop varieties that enhance productivity and profitability for farmers worldwide.