
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 2.21 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 2.85 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.20 % |
Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market Analysis
The Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market size is estimated at USD 2.21 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Saudi Arabian alfalfa market is undergoing significant transformation driven by government policies and agricultural reforms. The Saudi government's decision to phase out domestic alfalfa cultivation to conserve water resources has fundamentally restructured the market dynamics, shifting focus towards imports. This policy change has led to a substantial increase in import subsidies on forage crops, with an average rise of 134%. The government has specifically increased alfalfa subsidies from USD 117 to USD 304, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring a stable supply while maintaining environmental sustainability. These policy changes have attracted international suppliers and fostered strategic partnerships between local dairy companies and global alfalfa producers.
Technological advancements are revolutionizing the alfalfa industry's operational efficiency and sustainability practices. Modern irrigation systems and precision agriculture techniques are being implemented to optimize water usage and improve yield quality. For instance, Hidroconta's irrigation modernization project for the Al Jouf Agricultural Development Company (JADCO) represents a significant step toward sustainable agriculture practices in Saudi Arabia. The project focuses on controlling and monitoring water withdrawal from groundwater aquifers, demonstrating the industry's commitment to resource conservation while maintaining productivity.
The market structure is evolving with increasing integration between international suppliers and local distributors. Major dairy producers in Saudi Arabia are establishing direct procurement channels with global alfalfa suppliers to ensure consistent quality and supply. The industry is witnessing a trend toward vertical integration, with leading dairy companies securing their supply chains through strategic partnerships and long-term contracts. This transformation is particularly evident in the growing number of storage and distribution facilities being developed to handle increased import volumes.
The competitive landscape is becoming more sophisticated with the entry of specialized fodder companies and technology providers. Companies are differentiating themselves through quality certifications, traceability systems, and value-added services. For instance, Ukraine-based Alfalfa Group has introduced complete traceability systems for their products in Saudi Arabia, tracking production, harvesting, and cultivation location. This trend toward enhanced transparency and quality assurance is reshaping industry standards and customer expectations, driving innovation in product development and service delivery.
Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market Trends
Growing Livestock Population and Meat Production
The expanding livestock population in Saudi Arabia has emerged as a primary driver for the alfalfa market, with farmers increasingly dependent on high-quality livestock feed to support their growing herds. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), the country's cattle and buffalo population reached 700,000 heads in 2021, representing a significant increase from 567,040 heads in 2019. This substantial growth in livestock numbers has directly translated into higher demand for nutritious animal feed options, with alfalfa being particularly valued for its high protein content and digestibility characteristics.
The surge in meat production across various livestock categories further amplifies the demand for quality cattle feed. Poultry meat production led the sector with 910,446 metric tons in 2021, showing remarkable growth from 800,570 metric tons in 2019. Similarly, sheep and goat meat production reached 143,438 metric tons, while beef and buffalo meat production maintained steady levels at 40,000 metric tons in 2021. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA)'s ambitious goal to increase domestic production self-sufficiency from 60% in 2020 to more than 85% by 2030 through private sector collaboration is expected to further drive the demand for high-quality dairy feed, including alfalfa.
Government Support and Import Subsidies
The Saudi Arabian government's strategic policy decisions regarding domestic forage production and import regulations have significantly influenced the alfalfa market dynamics. Following the implementation of the three-year plan in 2016 to phase out domestic green forage production for water conservation, the government has actively promoted imports through various supportive measures. The establishment of duty-free categories for alfalfa imports and the provision of import subsidies for 31 feed-related ingredients have created a favorable environment for international trade, making high-quality alfalfa more accessible to local livestock producers.
The government's commitment to sustainable agriculture while maintaining livestock productivity has led to innovative policy approaches. Despite introducing support for wheat production in 2018 as a less water-intensive alternative to alfalfa, with the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) offering attractive procurement prices of USD 304 per metric ton in 2020, many farmers continue to prefer high-protein hay due to its superior income potential per hectare. This preference, combined with the government's import-friendly policies, has resulted in a substantial increase in alfalfa imports, with import values for alfalfa meals rising significantly from USD 31.3 million in 2018 to USD 65.5 million in 2021, demonstrating the effectiveness of these supportive measures in meeting domestic demand.
Segment Analysis: By Type
Bales Segment in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market
The bales segment dominates the Saudi Arabia alfalfa market, holding approximately 52% of the market share in 2024. To ensure acceptability and retain customers in Saudi Arabia, international players are offering alfalfa hay bales with various additional quality indicators. For instance, many companies offer their alfalfa hay in the country with complete traceability in terms of production, harvesting, and location of cultivation. The country's policies to reduce domestic production of alfalfa to conserve water have made Saudi Arabia a major export destination for alfalfa hay bales. The growing demand from the animal husbandry sector, particularly the dairy industry, continues to drive the bales segment. Most exporters use double compressing technology for converting dried alfalfa hay into bales of standard size, weighing about 120-140 pounds, making them convenient for transport and storage.

Pellets Segment in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market
The alfalfa pellets segment is projected to witness the fastest growth in the Saudi Arabia alfalfa market during 2024-2029. The rapid growth of alfalfa pellets is highly observed as it is convenient for operations at a small scale. Alfalfa pellets are a natural, highly nutritious protein feed in a pelleted form, supplying slow-releasing energy through highly digestible fiber while providing good quality protein and natural vitamins and minerals. The segment's growth is driven by its widespread use in feeding pigs, poultry, and cattle in Saudi Arabia. The pellets are particularly beneficial in hot or humid climates as their mineral content rapidly restores the body's minerals and reduces heat stress, allowing animals to maintain consistent feed intake levels. The increasing adoption of modern feeding practices and the emphasis on nutritional value in livestock farming continue to boost the demand for alfalfa pellets.
Remaining Segments in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market by Type
The cubes segment represents a significant portion of the Saudi Arabia alfalfa market, offering unique benefits to livestock farmers. Alfalfa cubes are similar to long-stem hay in digestible energy, crude protein, and calcium content, primarily used for feeding ruminants. The use of alfalfa cubes eliminates the sorting of leaves from stems, providing a more uniform feed product. These cubes are available in two main varieties - dehydrated and sun-cured, catering to different feeding requirements and preferences. The segment's growth is supported by the increasing demand from horse farms and other specialty livestock operations, where the convenience of handling and storage, combined with the nutritional benefits, makes cubes an attractive horse feed option.
Segment Analysis: By Application
Ruminant Feed Segment in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market
The ruminant feed segment dominates the Saudi Arabia alfalfa market, holding approximately 55% of the market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the country's large dairy industry and growing meat production sector. Saudi Arabia's dairy producers, including major players like Almarai, heavily rely on alfalfa as a primary dairy feed ingredient due to its high protein content and nutritional value that enhances milk production and meat quality in cattle. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by government initiatives encouraging the expansion of animal feed companies and supporting the domestic livestock sector through import subsidies on alfalfa. According to recent data, the country requires between 70,000 to 80,000 metric tons of alfalfa hay annually just for feeding its cattle population, highlighting the substantial demand from this segment.
Poultry Feed Segment in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market
The poultry feed segment is emerging as the fastest-growing application segment in the Saudi Arabia alfalfa market, projected to grow at approximately 6% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the expanding poultry industry in Saudi Arabia, with major producers like Al Watania Poultry Farms and Almarai Poultry Farms leading the demand. The segment's growth is further supported by Vision 2030 initiatives, where the Saudi government is actively encouraging foreign investments in the poultry sector by offering 100% ownership to local producers and providing direct production-based subsidies. The increasing adoption of alfalfa in poultry feed is attributed to its high protein content, essential vitamins, and minerals that contribute to improved meat quality and egg production. The preference for alfalfa pellets in poultry feed, due to their ease of consumption and storage benefits, is also driving the segment's growth.
Remaining Segments in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market by Application
The other applications segment in the Saudi Arabia alfalfa market primarily serves specialized animal feed requirements, including those for horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. This segment has carved out a niche in the market by catering to specific nutritional needs of these animals, particularly in the growing pet care sector and equestrian industry. The segment's importance is particularly notable in the horse racing and breeding industry, where high-quality alfalfa products are essential for maintaining animal health and performance. Additionally, the segment serves the growing pet food industry, where alfalfa is used as a premium ingredient in specialized feed formulations for small animals, contributing to the overall market diversity.
Top Companies in Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market
The Saudi Arabian alfalfa market features prominent players like Al Dahra ACX Global Inc., Gruppo Carli, Bailey Farms International LLC, Standlee Hay Company, Green Prairie International, and Anderson Hay leading the industry. These companies have demonstrated a strong market presence through continuous product innovation, particularly in developing organic alfalfa products and specialized feed ingredients formulations. Operational excellence is evident in their establishment of robust supply chain networks, with many players maintaining strategic storage facilities and export processing units across key growing regions. Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable production methods, including water-efficient irrigation systems and environmentally conscious farming practices. Strategic expansions have been notable, with several companies acquiring farmlands in countries like the United States, Sudan, and Australia to ensure a consistent supply while adhering to Saudi Arabia's domestic production restrictions. The industry has also witnessed significant investments in compression technology, packaging innovations, and logistics optimization to enhance product quality and distribution efficiency.
Fragmented Market with Strong Import Dependence
The Saudi Arabian alfalfa market exhibits a distinctly fragmented structure, characterized by a mix of international conglomerates and specialized forage producers. The market's unique dynamic stems from Saudi Arabia's ban on domestic forage production, making it heavily dependent on imports and creating opportunities for global players to establish strong market positions. The competitive landscape is shaped by companies with diverse geographical origins, including North American, European, and Middle Eastern entities, each bringing distinct operational strengths and market approaches. The industry has witnessed strategic consolidations, particularly through international players acquiring agricultural lands and processing facilities in key producing regions to secure supply chains and enhance market presence.
The market demonstrates an evolving competitive structure where major players are increasingly focusing on vertical integration and strategic partnerships. Companies are establishing direct relationships with dairy farms and livestock producers while simultaneously developing sophisticated distribution networks. The competitive dynamics are further influenced by the government's strategic focus on food security and sustainable agriculture, prompting companies to align their operations with national objectives. Market participants are actively engaging in technological advancement and infrastructure development, particularly in areas of storage, processing, and transportation, to maintain competitive advantages in this import-dependent market.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success
Success in the Saudi Arabian alfalfa market increasingly depends on companies' ability to balance supply security with sustainable practices. Market leaders are strengthening their positions through investments in advanced processing technologies, development of value-added products, and establishment of efficient logistics networks. Companies are focusing on building long-term relationships with key customers while diversifying their sourcing regions to minimize supply risks. The market's future competitive landscape will be shaped by players' ability to adapt to changing regulatory requirements, particularly those related to water conservation and sustainable agriculture practices. Innovation in product formulations and packaging solutions is becoming crucial for maintaining market share and addressing evolving customer needs.
For emerging players and market contenders, success lies in developing specialized product offerings and establishing efficient distribution networks. Companies must focus on building strong relationships with international suppliers while investing in local storage and processing infrastructure. The competitive environment is increasingly influenced by end-users' growing emphasis on product quality and consistency, making quality control and certification crucial for market success. Future market dynamics will be significantly impacted by regulatory changes in both Saudi Arabia and key supplying countries, particularly regarding agricultural practices and export policies. Companies that can effectively navigate these challenges while maintaining cost competitiveness and reliable supply chains will be better positioned for market success.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market News
- July 2023: Fondomonte, which is owned by one of the largest dairy companies in Saudi Arabia draws unlimited Arizona groundwater to grow alfalfa amid drought. Moreover, the company drills more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) into the water table to pump up to 3,000 gallons (11 kiloliters) of water per minute to irrigate its forage crops.
- November 2022: Saudi Arabia imported around 273,751 metric tons of alfalfa meals and pellets, which increased from 14,654 metric tons in 2019. The imports have been increased mainly due to the country's ban on cultivating forage crops.
Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
-
4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Rising Demand for Quality Hay and meat consumption
- 4.2.2 Growing Government Support For Alfalfa
- 4.2.3 Increasing Investment in Sustainable Production of Alfalfa
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4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 Ban on Forage Crop Cultivation in Saudi Arabia
- 4.3.2 Shift Towards Compound Feed
- 4.4 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
- 5.1 Production Analysis by Volume
- 5.2 Consumption Analysis by Volume and Value
- 5.3 Import Market Analysis by Volume and Value
- 5.4 Export Market Analysis by Volume and Value
- 5.5 Price Trend Analysis
6. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Industry Segmentation
Alfalfa, popularly known as lucerne, is an important forage crop widely grown for hay, pasturage, and silage. Alfalfa hay is very nutritious and palatable, high in protein, minerals, and vitamins. The Saudi Arabia alfalfa hay market includes production analysis (volume), consumption analysis (value and volume), export analysis (value and volume), import analysis (value and volume), and price trend analysis. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value (USD) and volume (metric tons) for the segments mentioned above.
Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market Research Faqs
How big is the Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market?
The Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market size is expected to reach USD 2.21 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.20% to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2030.
What is the current Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market size?
In 2025, the Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market size is expected to reach USD 2.21 billion.
What years does this Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market size was estimated at USD 2.10 billion. The report covers the Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Saudi Arabia Alfalfa Market Research
Mordor Intelligence provides a comprehensive analysis of the alfalfa industry, also known as Medicago sativa or lucerne, in Saudi Arabia. We leverage our extensive agricultural research expertise to deliver this detailed report. It covers the entire value chain from alfalfa seed production to end-use applications. These include alfalfa sprouts, alfalfa hay, and green fodder segments. The analysis also examines various product forms such as alfalfa pellets and organic alfalfa, exploring their roles in cattle feed, horse feed, and dairy feed applications. The report PDF is available for download, offering actionable insights into this crucial forage crops sector.
Stakeholders across the industry benefit from our in-depth coverage of feed ingredients and their applications in livestock feed and animal feed production. The report delves into essential aspects of protein feed development and agricultural feed innovations. It also analyzes legume crops cultivation patterns. Our research thoroughly evaluates forage seed markets and alfalfa supplement trends, providing valuable insights for industry participants. The comprehensive analysis includes detailed assessments of fodder production systems, enabling businesses to make informed decisions in this dynamic market landscape.