Organic Fertilizer Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 11 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 17.10 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 9.10% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | North America |
| Largest Market | Europe |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Organic Fertilizer Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The organic fertilizer market size stands at USD 11 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 17.1 billion by 2030, representing a 9.1% CAGR during the period. Rising sustainability mandates, consumer demand for clean-label food, and regulatory penalties on high-carbon inputs are propelling adoption across all major crop systems. Europe currently anchors market leadership, while rapid capacity expansions in North America and widening government subsidy programs tip the growth balance toward the Western Hemisphere. Technology upgrades that convert manure, food waste, and crop residues into standardized, pathogen-free granules are improving shelf life and nutrient predictability, narrowing the historical cost gap with synthetics. Simultaneously, corporate net-zero commitments are funneling long-term offtake agreements to certified producers, locking in revenue visibility and lowering investment risk.
Key Report Takeaways
- By form, manure-based fertilizers held 43% of the organic fertilizer market share in 2024, and the segment is projected to expand at a 9.7% CAGR through 2030.
- By crop type, row crops accounted for 70% of the organic fertilizer market size in 2024, whereas cash crops are forecast to grow at a 9.9% CAGR through 2030.
- By geography, Europe maintained a 41% revenue share of the organic fertilizer market in 2024, while North America is poised to register an 11.7% CAGR to 2030.
Global Organic Fertilizer Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government incentives and subsidies | +2.1% | European Union, United States, and Canada | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rising consumer demand for organic food | +1.8% | Global, strongest in high-income economies | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Environmental regulations limiting chemical fertilizers | +1.6% | European Union, United States, emerging in Asia-Pacific | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Expansion of certified organic farmland | +1.4% | Europe, North America, rapidly growing in emerging markets | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Circular-economy waste-to-fertilizer partnerships | +1.2% | Developed markets, spreading to developing regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Sensor-guided compost quality analytics | +0.8% | Technology-intensive regions, gradual global rollout | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Government Incentives and Subsidies
Public spending is redefining the cost economics of the organic fertilizer market. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fertilizer Production Expansion Program injected USD 116.3 million in 2025 into domestic capacity, including USD 25 million for black soldier fly waste-upcycling and USD 12.8 million for on-farm manure processing.[1]Source: United States Department of Agriculture, “FY 2025 Fertilizer Production Expansion Program,” usda.gov Comparable European Union funding channels, such as Ireland’s organic transition grants and Germany’s three-year risk-reduction packages, compress price differentials with synthetic fertilizers. These incentives align with tightening environmental rules, effectively boxing growers into lower-carbon alternatives. As subsidies reduce capital barriers, smaller facilities proliferate, increasing regional supply resilience and shortening transportation distances. When combined with voluntary carbon markets, government grants create dual revenue streams that further strengthen project economics.
Rising Consumer Demand for Organic Food
Organic food spending has remained robust, with the Organic Trade Association reporting double-digit sales growth through 2024. Health-focused younger demographics and pandemic-era purchasing habits continue to prioritize chemical-free produce.[2]Source: Organic Trade Association, “OTA Survey: Organic Sales Grow 5.1 Percent in 2023,” ota.com Brands are shifting procurement toward certified supply chains to hit Scope 3 emissions targets, evidenced by PepsiCo Europe’s agreement to source low-carbon fertilizers annually by 2030. Premium grocery price points widen farm gate margins, allowing growers to absorb higher input costs while sustaining yields. This demand pull has convinced mainstream distributors to list organic-labeled produce as standard inventory, moving the organic fertilizer market from niche to baseline supply chain status.
Environmental Regulations Limiting Chemical Fertilizers
Mandatory curbs on nitrogen runoff, greenhouse-gas intensity, and ammonia emissions are tightening across multiple jurisdictions. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism places a direct price on imported high-carbon fertilizers.[3]Source: European Commission, “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism,” europa.eu Several U.S. states now enforce nutrient-management plans that cap synthetic nitrogen application, giving organic inputs an operational advantage due to slower-release profiles. China amended its environmental protection law in 2024 to include agricultural pollution clauses that incentivize organic nutrient sources through preferential taxes. Together, these regulations create a compliance-driven demand floor and enhance the bargaining power of certified organic fertilizer suppliers.
Expansion of Certified Organic Farmland
Certified farmland continues to scale, propelled by higher farm-gate premiums that often exceed 20% of conventional crop prices. Thailand’s new flagship production base aligns local input supply with its expanding organic acreage. In India, organic biologicals penetration remains below 5%, yet the sector has delivered several consecutive years of double-digit growth, signaling substantial upside. The three-year transition period locks growers into organic inputs, creating predictable multiyear demand that sustains supplier investment cycles.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher production cost than synthetic fertilizers | -1.9% | Global, most acute in cost-sensitive markets | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Inconsistent nutrient content and quality standards | -1.3% | Global, sharper in developing regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Feedstock competition from bioenergy and feed industries | -1.1% | Regions with mature bioenergy sectors | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Logistics-emission policies penalizing bulky manure transport | -0.7% | Europe and areas with carbon pricing schemes | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Higher Production Cost Than Synthetic Fertilizers
Organic formulations remain 30-50% more expensive per nutrient unit than urea or monoammonium phosphate, mainly due to batch-based composting, longer curing cycles, and higher labor intensity. Lower nutrient density also translates to heavier application rates, raising fuel and equipment expenses during peak planting windows. While subsidies narrow the gap, many commodity growers still face thin margins that make synthetics economically compelling when stewardship rules allow. Short-haul micro-granulation plants mitigate part of the problem by cutting transport costs, yet false economies persist if regional feedstock prices spike or labor markets tighten.
Inconsistent Nutrient Content and Quality Standards
Organic fertilizers display wide variances in NPK ratios depending on feedstock and processing parameters. Moisture swings of more than 10 percentage points reduce spreader accuracy, hampering precision agriculture programs dependent on variable-rate maps. Absent globally harmonized quality codes, shipments that meet Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) rules in the United States may fall short of European Union standards, limiting cross-border trade. Large row-crop operations hesitate to integrate such variability into high-throughput planting systems, postponing adoption until suppliers deliver tighter specifications.
Segment Analysis
By Form: Manure Dominance Drives Innovation
Manure-based products commanded 43% of the organic fertilizer market share in 2024 and are projected to maintain the top slot with a 9.7% CAGR through 2030, reflecting simultaneous maturity and room for growth. The segment benefits from rising livestock populations and on-farm digesters that sanitize manure into pathogen-free pellets. Robust demand from organic row-crop growers anchors baseline volumes, while specialty fruit and nut operations are piloting foliar formulations derived from manures treated with high-temperature thermophilic composting.
Circular-economy economics underpin the manure segment’s resilience. Dairy cooperatives in California feed separated solids into vermifiltration beds that yield nutrient-rich castings, monetizing what was historically a disposal liability. Patent filings on odor-control inoculants have surged, tackling a longstanding community opposition barrier to nearby manure processing. The segment also enjoys faster OMRI listing times than biosolids, owing to well-documented feedstock traceability, positioning it to capture early-adopter acreage in certification programs. As capacity expands, average haul distances shorten, trimming logistics bills and further polishing its competitive profile within the organic fertilizer market.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Crop Type: Cash Crops Lead Premium Adoption
Row crops such as corn, wheat, and soy occupied 70% of the organic fertilizer market size in 2024 due to the sheer planted acreage. Yet cash crops show stronger momentum, advancing at a 9.9% CAGR to 2030 as high-value produce absorbs premium input costs. Specialty almonds offer a clear case: Nitricity’s California plant will deliver hundreds of metric tons of shell-derived nitrogen granules exclusively to organic nut growers, with production sold out through 2028. The price elasticity of gourmet vegetables and berries further enhances uptake, as brand owners transfer higher nutrient costs to consumers who prioritize residue-free labels.
Horticultural operators leverage organic fertilizers’ soil-health benefits to lengthen crop cycles and lift brix levels, boosting taste and shelf stability. Variable-rate spreaders applying composted bird manure achieve even nutrient bands that mitigate blossom-end rot in tomatoes, illustrating tangible quality gains. For row crops, emerging soil-carbon credits add revenue streams that partially offset cost disadvantages, nudging growers toward blended programs where organic fertilizers supply baseline nutrients and synthetics serve as in-season supplements. Precision imagery tools now calibrate organic nutrient release curves against crop growth stages, minimizing waste and elevating nutrient-use efficiency, thereby broadening the addressable acreage for the organic fertilizer market.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Europe held 41% of global revenues in 2024, a position rooted in the European Union Farm to Fork Strategy, which targets 25% organic farmland by 2030. Germany’s subsidy program reimburses up to 70% of certification costs in the first conversion year, slashing financial risk for growers. The region’s mature organic grocery sector supports stable downstream premiums, enabling compound annual consumption growth even as household spending moderates. COMPO Group’s 2024 commissioning of an advanced release technology plant in Münster elevates nutrient-delivery precision, solidifying Europe as a technology trendsetter that shapes forthcoming global quality standards.
North America is the fastest-growing geography, tracking an 11.7% CAGR through 2030, lifted by the USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program’s funding across seventy-six facilities. California concentrates a critical mass of innovation, including insect-based waste upgrade. Corporate climate declarations, especially among packaged-food giants, shift procurement into organic channels, creating pull for input suppliers. Canada’s Prairie provinces now explore co-locating composting units with pulse-processing plants to recycle high-protein fines into field-applied soil amendments, boosting regional circular-economy credentials.
Asia-Pacific ranks as the largest untapped frontier. Government alliances, such as KRIBHCO partnering with Novonesis to market Rhizosuper at INR 500-600 (USD 6.3-7.5) per acre, reveal public-private strategies to bridge affordability and technical knowledge gaps. China’s environmental amendments encourage polyhalite imports, providing a complementary mineral source that blends well with organic matrices. Thailand’s fully integrated fertilizer park, operational since late 2024, supplies both domestic and export users, signaling the region’s shift from importer to competitive exporter over the outlook period.
Competitive Landscape
The top five manufacturers control a very minor share of worldwide revenues, reflecting near-perfect fragmentation. Agile regional specialists thrive on proximity to feedstock and grower networks, outmaneuvering large incumbents that struggle to secure cost-effective biomass at scale. Phospholutions sealed distribution accords with Toros Agri in Europe and The Andersons in the United States for its RhizoSorb phosphorus technology, exemplifying asset-light expansion via licensing. Atlas Agro’s green ammonia project underscores the entrance of clean-tech investors looking to leapfrog legacy processes with renewable-powered pathways.
Technology adoption defines competitive advantage. DOF Limited uses artificial intelligence to tailor microbiological consortia that synchronize nutrient release with phenological crop stages. COMPO Group incorporates irregular porous granules that extend nutrient release windows, lowering application frequency. Meanwhile, Nitricity capitalizes on recycled almond shells to generate carbon-free nitrogen inputs, securing exclusive long-term supply deals with orchardists.
Larger agribusinesses seek bolt-on acquisitions to capture regional feedstock streams and acquire coveted OMRI listings. Heterogeneous regulations hamper cross-border roll-ups, meaning most mergers will likely cluster inside national boundaries. Firms that pair digital advisory platforms with robust logistics networks will gain a strategic edge by integrating product and service layers, cementing customer stickiness in an otherwise price-elastic space.
Organic Fertilizer Industry Leaders
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Coromandel International Ltd
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Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd.
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E.B.Stone and Sons Inc
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Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd.
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Sustane Natural Fertilizer, Inc
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- March 2025: Shandong Nongda Fertilizer Sci. and Tech. Co. Ltd showcased active humic acid and coated controlled-release fertilizers at FSHOW 2025, expanding its organic and foliar product lines.
- February 2025: Wilbur-Ellis has introduced BenVireo TerraLux, an organic nitrogen fertilizer aimed at enhancing soil health and crop performance. The product is OMRI-listed, supporting certified organic farming systems and providing sustainable nutrient options for growers.
- August 2024: Solugen Global has developed Azogen 5-0-0, a liquid organic-friendly nitrogen fertilizer made from pig manure. The product targets fruit and vegetable growers in the U.S. and will be showcased at the Organic Grower Summit 2024.
Global Organic Fertilizer Market Report Scope
Manure, Meal Based Fertilizers, Oilcakes are covered as segments by Form. Cash Crops, Horticultural Crops, Row Crops are covered as segments by Crop Type. Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America are covered as segments by Region.| Manure |
| Meal Based Fertilizers |
| Oilcakes |
| Other Organic Fertilizers |
| Cash Crops |
| Horticultural Crops |
| Row Crops |
| Africa | By Country | Egypt |
| Nigeria | ||
| South Africa | ||
| Rest of Africa | ||
| Asia-Pacific | By Country | Australia |
| China | ||
| India | ||
| Indonesia | ||
| Japan | ||
| Philippines | ||
| Thailand | ||
| Vietnam | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Europe | By Country | France |
| Germany | ||
| Italy | ||
| Netherlands | ||
| Russia | ||
| Spain | ||
| Turkey | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Middle East | By Country | Iran |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| Rest of Middle East | ||
| North America | By Country | Canada |
| Mexico | ||
| United States | ||
| Rest of North America | ||
| South America | By Country | Argentina |
| Brazil | ||
| Rest of South America |
| Form | Manure | ||
| Meal Based Fertilizers | |||
| Oilcakes | |||
| Other Organic Fertilizers | |||
| Crop Type | Cash Crops | ||
| Horticultural Crops | |||
| Row Crops | |||
| Geography | Africa | By Country | Egypt |
| Nigeria | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Africa | |||
| Asia-Pacific | By Country | Australia | |
| China | |||
| India | |||
| Indonesia | |||
| Japan | |||
| Philippines | |||
| Thailand | |||
| Vietnam | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Europe | By Country | France | |
| Germany | |||
| Italy | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| Russia | |||
| Spain | |||
| Turkey | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Middle East | By Country | Iran | |
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Rest of Middle East | |||
| North America | By Country | Canada | |
| Mexico | |||
| United States | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
| South America | By Country | Argentina | |
| Brazil | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
Market Definition
- AVERAGE DOSAGE RATE - The average application rate is the average volume of organic fertilizers applied per hectare of farmland in the respective region/country.
- CROP TYPE - Crop type includes Row crops (Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds), Horticultural Crops (Fruits and vegetables) and Cash Crops (Plantation Crops, Fibre Crops and Other Industrial Crops)
- FUNCTION - The crop nutrition function of agricultural biological consists of various products that provide essential plant nutrients and enhance soil quality.
- TYPE - Organic fertilizers are applied to provide essential crop nutrients and enhance the soil quality.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cash Crops | Cash crops are non-consumable crops sold as a whole or part of the crop to manufacture end-products to make a profit. |
| Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | IPM is an environment-friendly and sustainable approach to control pests in various crops. It involves a combination of methods, including biological controls, cultural practices, and selective use of pesticides. |
| Bacterial biocontrol agents | Bacteria used to control pests and diseases in crops. They work by producing toxins harmful to the target pests or competing with them for nutrients and space in the growing environment. Some examples of commonly used bacterial biocontrol agents include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Streptomyces spp. |
| Plant Protection Product (PPP) | A plant protection product is a formulation applied to crops to protect from pests, such as weeds, diseases, or insects. They contain one or more active substances with other co-formulants such as solvents, carriers, inert material, wetting agents or adjuvants formulated to give optimum product efficacy. |
| Pathogen | A pathogen is an organism causing disease to its host, with the severity of the disease symptoms. |
| Parasitoids | Parasitoids are insects that lay their eggs on or within the host insect, with their larvae feeding on the host insect. In agriculture, parasitoids can be used as a form of biological pest control, as they help to control pest damage to crops and decrease the need for chemical pesticides. |
| Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPN) | Entomopathogenic nematodes are parasitic roundworms that infect and kill pests by releasing bacteria from their gut. Entomopathogenic nematodes are a form of biocontrol agents used in agriculture. |
| Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) | VAM fungi are mycorrhizal species of fungus. They live in the roots of different higher-order plants. They develop a symbiotic relationship with the plants in the roots of these plants. |
| Fungal biocontrol agents | Fungal biocontrol agents are the beneficial fungi that control plant pests and diseases. They are an alternative to chemical pesticides. They infect and kill the pests or compete with pathogenic fungi for nutrients and space. |
| Biofertilizers | Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. |
| Biopesticides | Biopesticides are natural/bio-based compounds used to manage agricultural pests using specific biological effects. |
| Predators | Predators in agriculture are the organisms that feed on pests and help control pest damage to the crops. Some common predator species used in agriculture include ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites. |
| Biocontrol agents | Biocontrol agents are living organisms used to control pests and diseases in agriculture. They are alternatives to chemical pesticides and are known for their lesser impact on the environment and human health. |
| Organic Fertilizers | Organic fertilizer is composed of animal or vegetable matter used alone or in combination with one or more non-synthetically derived elements or compounds used for soil fertility and plant growth. |
| Protein hydrolysates (PHs) | Protein hydrolysate-based biostimulants contain free amino acids, oligopeptides, and polypeptides produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of proteins, primarily from vegetal or animal sources. |
| Biostimulants/Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) | Biostimulants/Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) are substances derived from natural resources to enhance plant growth and health by stimulating plant processes (metabolism). |
| Soil Amendments | Soil Amendments are substances applied to soil that improve soil health, such as soil fertility and soil structure. |
| Seaweed Extract | Seaweed extracts are rich in micro and macronutrients, proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phytohormones, and osmolytes. These substances boost seed germination and crop establishment, total plant growth and productivity. |
| Compounds related to biocontrol and/or promoting growth (CRBPG) | Compounds related to biocontrol or promoting growth (CRBPG) are the ability of a bacteria to produce compounds for phytopathogen biocontrol and plant growth promotion. |
| Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria | Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium obtain food and shelter from the host, and in return, they help by providing fixed nitrogen to the plants. |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Nitrogen fixation is a chemical process in soil which converts molecular nitrogen into ammonia or related nitrogenous compounds. |
| ARS (Agricultural Research Service) | ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. It aims to find solutions to agricultural problems faced by the farmers in the country. |
| Phytosanitary Regulations | Phytosanitary regulations imposed by the respective government bodies check or prohibit the importation and marketing of certain insects, plant species, or products of these plants to prevent the introduction or spread of new plant pests or pathogens. |
| Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) | Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) is a symbiotic interaction of fungi with the feeder roots of higher plants in which both the plant and the fungi benefit through the association for survival. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms.
