Europe Organic Fertilizer Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market Trends

European Green Deal is majorly contributing for increasing organic cultivation.

• European countries are increasingly promoting organic farming, and the amount of land categorized as organic has increased significantly over the last decade. In March 2021, the European Commission launched an organic action plan to achieve the European Green Deal target of ensuring that 25% of agricultural land is under organic farming by 2030. Austria, Italy, Spain, and Germany are among the leading countries for organic agriculture in the European region. In Italy, 15.0% of the agriculture area is under organic farming, which is higher than the EU average of 7.5%.
• In 2021, there were 14.7 million hectares of organic land in the European Union (EU). The agricultural production area is divided into three main types of use: arable land crops (mainly cereals, root crops, and fresh vegetables), permanent grassland, and permanent crops (fruit trees and berries, olive groves, and vineyards). The area of organic arable land was 6.5 million hectares in 2021, the equivalent of 46% of the EU's total organic agricultural area.
• The organic areas of cereals, oilseeds, protein crops, and pulses in the European Union increased by 32.6% between 2017 and 2021, reaching more than 1.6 million hectares. With 1.3 million hectares under cultivation, perennial crops like Olives, grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits accounted for 15% of the organic land in the region in 2020. Spain, Italy, and Greece are major growers of organic olive trees, with an area of 256,507, 208,212, and 56,507 hectares, respectively, in 2021. Both olives and grapes are crucial for the European economy as they can be turned into specialty products that generate demand locally and internationally. The growing organic acreage in the region is expected to further strengthen the European organic cultivation industry.

Growing demand for organic food, rising the per capita spending, will have a positive effect over organic fertilizer market

• Consumers in Europe are purchasing more goods made using natural materials and methods. Even though organic food only makes up a small fraction of the total EU agricultural production, it is no longer a niche industry. The European Union represents the second-largest single market for organic goods internationally, with an average per capita spending of USD 74.8 annually. The per capita spending on organic food in Europe has doubled in the last decade. In 2020, Swiss and Danish consumers spent the most on organic food (USD 494.09 and USD 453.90 per capita, respectively).
• Germany is the largest organic food market in the European region and the second largest in the world after the United States, with a market size of USD 6.3 billion and a per capita consumption of USD 75.6 in 2021, as per Global Organic Trade data. The country accounted for 10.0% of the global organic food demand, with its share estimated to record a CAGR of 2.7% between 2021 and 2026.
• The French organic food market witnessed strong growth, with a 12.6% rise in retail sales in 2021. The country's per capita spending on organic food was recorded at USD 88.8 in 2021, as per Global Organic Trade data. In 2018, as recorded by the Agence BIO/Spirit Insight Barometer, 88% of French people declared having consumed organic products. Preserving health, environment, and animal welfare are the primary justifications for consumers of organic foods in France. The organic food industry has begun to grow in several other nations, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, with the opening of organic stores. The growth in organic sales was triggered during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers began paying more attention to health issues and becoming aware of the adverse effects of conventionally grown food.

Segment Analysis: Form

Meal-Based Fertilizers Segment in Europe Organic Fertilizer Market

Meal-based fertilizers dominate the European organic fertilizer market, accounting for approximately 62% of the total market value in 2024. These fertilizers, which are byproducts of the meat processing industry, have gained significant traction due to their rich nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, making them highly beneficial for agricultural crops. Row crops represent the primary consumers of meal-based fertilizers, with a share of about 78% among all crop types, followed by horticultural crops at 22%. The segment's prominence is particularly notable in France, which leads the European market with an 11.5% share. The popularity of meal-based fertilizers is further enhanced by their dual benefits not only do they provide essential nutrients for crop growth, but they also offer an environmentally friendly solution for disposing of meat processing waste, aligning with Europe's growing focus on sustainable agricultural practices.

Manure Segment in Europe Organic Fertilizer Market

The manure fertilizer segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the European organic fertilizers market between 2024 and 2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 8%. This robust growth is primarily driven by the significant amount of animal farming in the region, with the European Soil Data Center reporting substantial manure generation that is increasingly being utilized for agricultural purposes. The segment's growth is further supported by rising input costs for farmers, making livestock manure fertilizer an increasingly attractive option for reducing expenses and decreasing the region's dependence on non-EU nations for fertilizers. The Joint Research Centre's proposal for the safe use of processed manure as a chemical fertilizer alternative is expected to further accelerate adoption, particularly as it aligns with Europe's circular economy objectives and sustainable agricultural practices.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The oilcakes and other organic fertilizers segments complete the market landscape, each offering unique benefits to the agricultural sector. Oilcakes, derived from oilseed processing, are valued for their high nutrient content and effectiveness against soil-borne diseases and plant parasitic nematodes. While traditionally used as animal feed, they are gaining recognition as valuable organic fertilizers, particularly in horticultural and cash crop cultivation. The other organic fertilizers segment, which includes products like fish guano, bat guano, fish emulsion, vermicompost, and molasses, provides farmers with diverse options for sustainable soil enrichment. These segments, though smaller in market share, play crucial roles in offering farmers varied choices for different crop needs and soil conditions.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Row Crops Segment in Europe Organic Fertilizer Market

Row crops dominate the European organic fertilizers market, commanding approximately 78% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share can be attributed to the region's extensive cultivation area for row crops, which accounts for about 82% of the total European organic crop cultivation area. Cereals are the primary row crops produced in Europe, representing nearly 69% of all organic row crop land. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the widespread use of meal-based fertilizers, which are particularly effective at supplementing nitrogen requirements in row crops. France leads the European market in this segment, followed by Spain, reflecting these countries' strong agricultural sectors and commitment to organic farming practices.

Cash Crops Segment in Europe Organic Fertilizer Market

The cash crops segment is projected to experience the most rapid growth in the European organic fertilizers market between 2024 and 2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 9%. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of organic farming practices for high-value crops such as coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, and non-food crops like tobacco and cotton. Meal-based fertilizers and manure fertilizer are commonly used for cash crop production, with meal-based fertilizers accounting for about 66% of organic fertilizer consumption in this segment. Tea emerges as the dominant cash crop, representing approximately 88% of the total organic agricultural land dedicated to cash crops. The segment's growth is further supported by the proven effectiveness of organic fertilizers in improving soil health and increasing crop yields on marginal lands.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type

The horticultural crops segment plays a vital role in the European organic fertilizers market, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops. This segment benefits from the increasing consumer demand for organic fruits and vegetables, particularly in countries like Spain and Italy, which are major producers of organic horticultural products. The segment utilizes a diverse range of organic fertilizers, with meal-based fertilizers and manures being the most commonly used products. The growth in this segment is supported by various European initiatives promoting organic farming practices and sustainable agriculture, particularly in the Mediterranean region where horticultural crop production is a significant agricultural activity.

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market Geography Segment Analysis

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market in France

France has established itself as the dominant force in the European organic fertilizers market, driven by its robust agricultural sector and strong government support for organic farming practices. The country's leadership position is evidenced by its approximately 12% market share in 2024. The French government's implementation of 'eco-schemes' has been instrumental in promoting organic agriculture by providing additional funding to farmers who adopt environmentally friendly practices. The country's diverse agricultural landscape, encompassing major crops like wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, and sugar beet, has created a substantial demand for organic fertilizer. Manure fertilizers are particularly popular among French farmers, owing to their cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and proven ability to enhance soil biodiversity. The country's commitment to sustainable agriculture is further reinforced by initiatives like the French National Federation of Organic Farming's "eau et bio" program, which facilitates large-scale organic agriculture development through collaborations with local organizations.

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market in Germany

Germany's organic fertilizer market is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections indicating an impressive growth rate of approximately 9% between 2024 and 2029. As the second-largest organic food market globally, Germany has set an ambitious target of converting 30% of its agricultural land into organic farms. The country's strategic approach includes initiatives to reduce distribution and logistics costs, making organic products more accessible to end consumers. Despite the significant increase in organic farming area, domestic production still struggles to meet the growing demand for organic food, creating substantial opportunities for local farmers. The country's new organic food production, packaging, and labeling rules have created barriers for exporters, further benefiting domestic producers. The combination of high organic food prices and attractive returns continues to motivate more farmers to transition to organic farming practices, particularly in the cultivation of cereals such as wheat, barley, corn, and rape.

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market in Spain

Spain has positioned itself as a major player in the European organic fertilizers market, ranking among the top three organic farming countries globally after Australia and Argentina. The nation's organic farming sector encompasses a diverse range of crops, including olive groves, cereals, nuts, vineyards, green plants, and pulses. Row crops dominate the organic fertilizer consumption, reflecting the country's extensive cultivation area. The Spanish organic farming industry has shown remarkable progress in expanding organic olive grove cultivation, which has become the country's primary organic crop. The government's commitment to sustainable agriculture is demonstrated through initiatives like the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food's support for organic farming practices. This comprehensive approach to organic agriculture has helped Spain maintain its position as a key contributor to Europe's organic farming landscape.

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market in Italy

Italy has emerged as a significant force in the European organic fertilizers market, supported by its robust organic food production infrastructure comprising 60,000 organic-producing companies. The country's organic agriculture industry is particularly strong in crops such as olive groves, vineyards, and cereals. The Italian government has demonstrated its commitment to organic farming through various initiatives, including funding for organic farming research and programs to encourage new organic producers. The country's approach to organic agriculture is characterized by a strong focus on quality and sustainability, with strict adherence to organic farming principles. The Italian organic food market's impressive growth trajectory has been supported by increasing consumer awareness and demand for organic products, making it an integral part of the European organic farming landscape.

Europe Organic Fertilizer Market in Other Countries

The organic fertilizer market in other European countries, including the Netherlands, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, demonstrates varying levels of development and growth potential. The Netherlands, with its advanced agricultural technology and strong focus on sustainable farming practices, has established itself as an important player in the organic fertilizer sector. Russia's emerging organic farming sector shows significant potential for growth, supported by government initiatives to identify suitable locations for organic agriculture development. Turkey's favorable climate and geographic location have made it a key supplier of organic fertilizers to Europe, while the United Kingdom's sustainable farming incentive scheme continues to drive the adoption of organic farming practices. These countries collectively contribute to the diverse and dynamic nature of the European organic fertilizer market, each bringing unique strengths and opportunities to the sector.

Free With This Report

Along with the report, We also offer a comprehensive and exhaustive data pack on Areas under organic cultivation, one of the key trends that affect the market size of agricultural biologicals. This data pack also includes areas under cultivation by crop types, such as Row Crops (Cereals, Pulses, and Oilseeds), Horticultural Crops (Fruits and Vegetables), and Cash Crops in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Africa.