| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 0.94 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 1.11 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.42% |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Italy Alfalfa Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Italy Alfalfa Market size is estimated at USD 0.94 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.11 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.42% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Alfalfa hay has emerged as an essential component in dairy and poultry feed due to its high crude protein content. The Italian alfalfa hay market growth is primarily driven by its widespread use in animal feed. The country's favorable conditions, including dry and warm weather, quality irrigation water, and suitable soil composition, support the production of high-quality lucerne hay.
The Italian market has experienced significant growth due to evolving dairy industry practices. Modern dairy farmers are increasingly raising more cows and relying on imported hay and commercial feeds. To address the high demand, the government is prioritizing domestic alfalfa hay production. According to the ITC trade map, Italy's alfalfa seed imports increased from 1,896 metric tons in 2022 to 3,540 metric tons in 2023.
Research studies indicate that alfalfa hay accelerates animal growth and development while improving milk productivity. In lactating dairy cow diets, alfalfa hay serves as a valuable protein and energy source. Its rapid fermentation properties, comprehensive mineral profile, and fiber content support rumen health and milk butterfat synthesis increasing its demand for cattle and horse feed.
Alfalfa hay also has gained recognition as an optimal diet for meat-producing animals. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Italy's swine population increased from 8.73 million heads in 2022 to 9.17 million heads in 2023, contributing to higher alfalfa hay demand.
The alfalfa hay market is expanding due to increasing dairy and animal product demand, reduced grazing land availability, growth in high-yielding cattle populations, and bred cattle feed requirements. Hence, the forecast period is anticipated to see increased demand from commercial dairy operators, driven by growing investments in large-scale dairy operations.
Italy Alfalfa Market Trends and Insights
Increasing Demand for Quality Feed
The demand for high-quality feed in Italy drives the alfalfa hay market, as livestock producers seek nutritious forage to enhance animal health and productivity. Alfalfa hay, with its high protein, fiber, and vitamin content, meets the dietary requirements of dairy cattle, pigs, poultry, and other ruminants. The increased consumption of meat, dairy, and poultry products in Italy has elevated the demand for quality feed, boosting alfalfa hay requirements among farmers.
The expansion of livestock populations, particularly pigs and poultry, significantly influences the alfalfa hay market. Italy, a major producer of pork and processed products like prosciutto and salami, requires a consistent supply of healthy pigs. The Italian swine population has grown steadily, increasing the demand for protein-rich feed. According to FAOSTATS, the pig population rose from 8.73 million in 2022 to 9.17 million in 2023. The poultry industry, driven by higher chicken and egg consumption, uses alfalfa as a dietary supplement to ensure balanced nutrition and bird health.
Dairy and beef cattle contribute significantly to alfalfa hay demand. Italy's dairy industry, known for premium cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Mozzarella, relies on nutrient-rich alfalfa to maintain high milk yields and quality. FAOSTATS reports that European cattle milk production increased from 226.9 million metric tons in 2022 to 227.9 million metric tons in 2023, with Italy contributing 13.1 million metric tons in 2023.
The beef cattle industry uses alfalfa hay to improve growth performance and meat quality. Alfalfa inclusion in cattle diets reduces digestive disorders, supporting animal welfare and productivity. The growing demand for quality feed, driven by expanding livestock populations and consumer preferences for premium animal products, will sustain the growth of Italy's alfalfa hay market during the forecast period.
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Rising Demand for Dairy And Meat Products
Meat consumption significantly influences the growth of the South Italian alfalfa hay market. The meat market's growth primarily stems from product quality improvements. Lucerne alfalfa represents one of Italy's most significant hay crops, with quality variations substantially impacting livestock performance and profitability, particularly in dairy operations. Livestock products maintain their position as preferred nutritional sources across Italy. The country is experiencing increased consumption of animal products, including milk, cheese, and meat, as consumers become more health-conscious and shift from high-calorie, fatty foods to nutritious dairy products.
The dairy industry's expansion is supported by technological adoption, enabling efficient management of larger cow herds for increased profitability. This development increases demand for specialized forage seeds used in feed production, consequently driving alfalfa market growth. The Italian meat product demand has notably influenced the alfalfa hay market, particularly through poultry sector growth. According to FAOSTATS, Italy recorded 564.4 million chicken slaughters in 2023, up from 534.1 million in 2022. Chicken meat production increased to 1,083.2 thousand metric tons in 2023 from 993.9 thousand metric tons in 2022.
This poultry production expansion requires high-quality feed for optimal meat quality and production efficiency. Alfalfa hay, with its high protein content and essential nutrients, has become essential for poultry farmers focused on improving flock health and productivity. The increasing demand for meat and related products, including processed burgers and sausages, is anticipated to expand significantly in the food service sector, particularly through quick service restaurants (QSR). This trend is projected to support alfalfa hay market growth during the forecast period.
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Competitive Landscape
The global alfalfa hay market is extremely fragmented, with key players like Gruppo Carli, Al Dahra Holding, Alfalfa Monegros SL, Biselli Foraggi Group SRL, and Agricole Forte S.a.r.l. There were only a few strategies that were observed in the market, made by the players globally during the study period. The companies strive to strengthen their base by offering enhanced product features, competitive pricing, better quality, increased scale of operations, and technological innovation.
Italy Alfalfa Industry Leaders
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Gruppo Carli
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Alfalfa Monegros SL
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Al Dahra Holding
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Biselli Foraggi Group SRL
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Agricole Forte S.a.r.l
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- March 2024: The Italian government enacted legislation prohibiting the production of laboratory-produced food and animal feed to safeguard its agricultural and food heritage. The law prevents Italian industries from producing food or feed derived from cell cultures or tissues of vertebrate animals. This legislation strengthens the alfalfa hay market as the country's demand shifts toward natural feed sources.
- March 2024: The National Association of Dehydrated Alfalfa Producers (AEFA) and AIFE/Italian Fodder Supply Chain partnered to increase European dehydrated fodder exports to Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The European Union finances 80% of the project's total value of 1,180,000 euros.
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Italy Alfalfa Market Report Scope
Alfalfa hay, also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. Alfalfa hay is a grass, legume, or another herbaceous plant that has been cut and dried to be stored for use as animal fodder, either for large grazing animals raised as livestock, such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep, or for smaller domesticated animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. The Italian alfalfa hay market is segmented by Product type into Bales, Pellets, and Cubes, and Application into Meat/Dairy Animal Feed, Poultry Feed, Horse Feed, and Other Applications. The report offers the market size and forecasts for volume in (metric tons) and value in (USD) for all the above segments.
Product type
| Bales |
| Pellets |
| Cubes |
Application
| Meat/Dairy Animal Feed |
| Poultry Feed |
| Horse feed |
| Other Applications |
| Product type | Bales |
| Pellets | |
| Cubes | |
| Application | Meat/Dairy Animal Feed |
| Poultry Feed | |
| Horse feed | |
| Other Applications |
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the Italy Alfalfa Market?
The Italy Alfalfa Market size is expected to reach USD 0.94 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.42% to reach USD 1.11 billion by 2030.
What is the current Italy Alfalfa Market size?
In 2025, the Italy Alfalfa Market size is expected to reach USD 0.94 billion.
Who are the key players in Italy Alfalfa Market?
Gruppo Carli, Alfalfa Monegros SL, Al Dahra Holding, Biselli Foraggi Group SRL and Agricole Forte S.a.r.l are the major companies operating in the Italy Alfalfa Market.
What years does this Italy Alfalfa Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Italy Alfalfa Market size was estimated at USD 0.91 billion. The report covers the Italy Alfalfa Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Italy Alfalfa Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Italy Alfalfa Market Report
Statistics for the 2025 Italy Alfalfa market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Italy Alfalfa analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
