Origin Agritech Expands Operations with New Crop Seed Licenses in China

Origin Agritech's Strategic Expansion in Crop Seed Production

Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED), a prominent player in the Chinese agricultural technology sector, recently made significant strides by securing new licenses for crop seed production and genetically modified organism (GMO) operations. This development, announced on October 24, 2025, positions the company favorably amidst the evolving landscape of agricultural biotechnology in China.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs granted Origin a license that authorizes the company to engage in the comprehensive processes of producing, processing, packaging, wholesaling, and retailing corn seeds. This license not only validates Origin's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity but also represents a critical milestone in augmenting their operational capacity.

With two operational licenses in hand, including one held by its subsidiary, Xinjiang OriginBio Seed Limited, Origin is expanding its geographical reach and diversifying its revenue streams effectively. Furthermore, the recent approval from the Beijing Tongzhou District Market Supervision Administration to include GMO seed production in its business scope enables the company to engage in a sector that is rapidly growing due to increasing acceptance of biotechnological innovations in agriculture.

Under its expanded licenses, each GMO crop will necessitate individual registration prior to commercialization, ensuring that the company adheres to safety and regulatory compliance. The approval is considered a substantial leap for Origin as it aims to tap into the biotechnology segment, which is facing growing demand from farmers and agricultural stakeholders looking for enhanced crop traits and resilience to environmental challenges.

In a bid to complement these advancements, Origin has also increased the registered capital of its subsidiary, Beijing Origin Seed Ltd., from RMB 30 million (approximately USD 4.2 million) to RMB 100 million (around USD 14 million). This capital infusion aims to bolster the company’s investment in research and development (R&D), enabling it to innovate agricultural solutions more robustly.

The strategic restructuring within the organization has seen key production and sales entities consolidated under Beijing Origin, establishing it as the principal operational hub. This consolidation is intended to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and position the company for future scalability. By integrating their R&D, breeding, and sales networks, Origin aspires to reduce time-to-market for their revolutionary seed technologies and products.

Weibin Yan, the Chief Executive Officer of Origin Agritech, commented, “The recent announcements signify a transformative phase for our company. Introducing the GMO-inclusive business license in conjunction with our capital increase and organizational restructuring lays a solid foundation for our growth trajectory. Our consolidated operations under Beijing Origin will accelerate innovation and strengthen our capacity to deliver advanced seed technologies efficiently.”

Headquartered in the Origin RD Center in Beijing, Origin Agritech has been at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology since its inception in 1997. The company operates a substantial product pipeline, including glyphosate-resistant and pest-resistant corn varieties, and has a notable track record with its phytase corn that was the first transgenic variant to receive the Bio-Safety Certificate in China.

In closing, these new licenses and the strategic initiatives around them reflect Origin’s dedication to addressing the challenges posed by agricultural production and food security in a rapidly changing environment. With a focus on innovation, expansion, and sustainable practices, Origin Agritech is poised to play a vital role in the future of agriculture in China and beyond.