Organic Fertilizers Market By Source Type (Plant-Based, Animal-Based, Mineral-Based); By Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseeds & Pulses, Others); By Form (Dry, Liquid); By Application Method (Broadcasting, Fertigation, Foliar); By End User (Commercial Farmers, Smallholders, Home Gardeners, Institutional Growers); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Organic Fertilizers Market Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Organic Fertilizers Market will witness a robust CAGR of 13.2%, valued at USD 12.7 billion in 2024, expected to appreciate and reach USD 26.7 billion by 2030, confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Organic fertilizers, derived from natural biological sources such as plant matter, compost, and animal waste, are gaining significant global traction in response to the escalating demand for sustainable and chemical-free agriculture. Their strategic relevance is heightened by mounting concerns over soil degradation, harmful chemical residues in food, and carbon-intensive farming practices. As nations and corporations accelerate their efforts to achieve sustainability goals and transition to regenerative agriculture, the adoption of organic inputs like fertilizers has moved from niche to necessity.

 

Several macro forces are propelling this market expansion:

• Agroecological awareness: There is growing global consciousness about the adverse impacts of synthetic fertilizers on biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems, and long-term soil fertility. Farmers, policy makers, and agribusinesses are increasingly turning to organic solutions to promote ecological balance and long-term soil health.

• Governmental policy support: Numerous governments are offering subsidies, certification schemes, and technical training to encourage organic farming. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), India's National Mission on Organic Farming, and the USDA's Organic Certification program are examples of regulatory initiatives supporting this market.

• Organic food boom: The rising consumer preference for chemical-free food products has led to a parallel surge in organic crop production. This has translated into consistent demand for inputs that meet organic certification standards.

• Soil health rejuvenation: With nearly 33% of the world's soil degraded, sustainable nutrient sources like organic fertilizers are being employed to restore biological activity and nutrient cycling in soils.

• Climate resilience and carbon credits: Organic fertilizers contribute to carbon sequestration and reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of farms. This positions them as strategic enablers in climate-smart agriculture models.

 

Key stakeholders in the organic fertilizers market include:

• Organic fertilizer manufacturers (e.g., composting companies, animal waste processors, microbial product developers)

• Agricultural cooperatives and contract farmers

• Government bodies and regulators

• Sustainable agriculture NGOs

• Retail and e-commerce distributors of farm inputs

• Venture investors in agri-biotech and green chemistry sectors

As the world increasingly seeks food systems that are resilient, inclusive, and environmentally regenerative, organic fertilizers stand at the forefront of this global agronomic transition.

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2. Organic Fertilizers Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

The organic fertilizers market is a highly segmented ecosystem defined by diverse raw material inputs, specific agricultural applications, and varying regulatory frameworks across regions. Based on pre-research and strategic inference, the market is segmented as follows:

By Source Type

• Plant-Based Fertilizers (e.g., compost, seaweed extracts, green manure)

• Animal-Based Fertilizers (e.g., bone meal, blood meal, manure)

• Mineral-Based Fertilizers (e.g., rock phosphate, gypsum)

Among these, animal-based fertilizers accounted for approximately 47.3% of the global market share in 2024, largely driven by their high nitrogen content and widespread availability from livestock operations. However, plant-based fertilizers are projected to be the fastest-growing segment through 2030, favored for their vegan compliance and compatibility with regenerative agriculture practices.

 

By Crop Type

• Cereals & Grains

• Fruits & Vegetables

• Oilseeds & Pulses

• Others (Herbs, Plantation Crops, etc.)

The fruits & vegetables sub-segment is seeing exponential growth due to the booming global organic produce market. As consumers demand traceable, chemical-free fruits and greens, organic growers are shifting toward bio-based fertilizers to meet certification norms and quality standards.

 

By Form

• Dry Organic Fertilizers (powder, pellets, granules)

• Liquid Organic Fertilizers

Dry organic fertilizers dominate current usage due to their ease of storage and longer shelf life, especially in large-scale agricultural practices. However, liquid organic fertilizers are rapidly gaining favor in precision farming and hydroponics, given their ease of absorption and compatibility with irrigation systems.

 

By Application Method

• Broadcasting

• Fertigation

• Foliar Application

The fertigation method is witnessing increasing adoption, especially in high-value horticulture and greenhouse farming systems, due to its efficiency in delivering nutrients directly through drip irrigation.

 

By End User

• Commercial Farmers

• Smallholder Farms

• Home Gardeners

• Institutional Growers (e.g., organic food companies, research farms)

While commercial farms contribute the bulk of volume demand, smallholder farmers are emerging as key growth drivers in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, especially where regenerative agriculture and organic certifications open up export opportunities.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

Europe leads the global organic fertilizer consumption, followed closely by Asia Pacific, where countries like India and China are undergoing a structural transformation in input use, propelled by policy incentives and export-oriented organic farming.

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3. Organic Fertilizers Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

The organic fertilizers market is undergoing rapid innovation driven by biotechnological breakthroughs, the rise of regenerative agriculture, and increasing integration with digital farming platforms. These trends are reshaping the formulation, delivery, and monitoring of organic nutrient inputs.

Biological and Microbial R&D

One of the most transformative trends is the rise of bio-enhanced organic fertilizers. These are traditional organic substrates enriched with microbial consortia such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., Azotobacter), phosphate-solubilizing microbes (e.g., Bacillus megaterium), and potassium-mobilizing fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.). These living components boost nutrient uptake and soil biodiversity.

“Biofertilizers are no longer supplementary—they’re central to the future of sustainable nutrition in depleted soils,” notes a senior agronomist from a regenerative agriculture think tank.

Startups and R&D centers are focusing on soil-specific microbiome formulations that act synergistically with organic matter, creating customized blends for different climates and crops. These biologically active products are gaining traction particularly in Asia and Latin America, where degraded soils require both organic matter and microbial restitution.

Nano-Organic Fertilizers

Emerging research is exploring nano-formulations of organic nutrients, aiming to improve plant bioavailability while reducing leaching losses. These fertilizers contain encapsulated organic molecules (e.g., amino acids, fulvic acids) in nano-scale, which enhance penetration into plant roots and leaves. Although still nascent, this technology is expected to become mainstream in precision and vertical farming over the next five years.

Tech Partnerships and Platform Integrations

Organic fertilizer companies are increasingly partnering with digital agriculture platforms to provide farmers with data-driven application strategies. Mobile-integrated advisory services allow farmers to optimize the timing and dosage of organic inputs, improving crop yields while reducing wastage.

For instance, collaborations between fertilizer brands and precision ag-tech companies are enabling satellite-based nutrient deficiency mapping followed by targeted organic input application—particularly for horticulture and greenhouse crops.

Formulation Diversification

Companies are developing multi-nutrient organic fertilizers that combine macronutrients (NPK) with micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, and boron derived from organic sources. These blends address the complete nutrient needs of crops, reducing the need for synthetic supplementation.

Also gaining attention are slow-release organic fertilizers, formulated with biodegradable coatings that allow a controlled nutrient release over multiple weeks, especially suited for perennial and plantation crops.

Circular Economy Integration

Many organic fertilizer manufacturers are leveraging agri-waste and food processing byproducts as input materials. For example, oilseed cake residues, brewery waste, and fruit peels are being processed into certified fertilizers, closing nutrient loops and minimizing waste.

This circular model not only cuts input costs but also aligns with ESG investment mandates and zero-waste agricultural goals.

Noteworthy Developments:

• A leading European agro-biotech firm announced a new line of microbial-rich compost activators for subtropical farming systems in 2023.

• In North America, a cooperative of organic vegetable growers developed an on-farm fermentation-based liquid fertilizer using seaweed and legume extracts, reporting a 21% yield increase across two crop cycles.

• Governments like those of Brazil and Kenya launched funding programs in 2024 to support micro-enterprises producing village-level organic fertilizers using cow dung and crop residues.

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4. Organic Fertilizers Market Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

The organic fertilizers market is moderately fragmented, featuring a blend of multinational players, regional producers, and agri-biotech startups. Competitive dynamics are shaped by innovation in product formulation, supply chain localization, regulatory compliance, and partnerships with organic certification bodies.

Here are some of the leading companies influencing global growth and strategy:

1. Tata Chemicals

Tata Chemicals has emerged as a strategic leader in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa. Its organic fertilizer portfolio includes high-grade vermicompost and fortified bio-manures tailored for smallholder farms. The company emphasizes sustainable raw material sourcing and farmer education, particularly in soil health restoration programs.

2. ScottsMiracle-Gro

A key North American player, ScottsMiracle-Gro serves both commercial growers and urban gardening enthusiasts. Its organic lines target the growing home and community garden segment, especially in the U.S. and Canada. The firm is investing in digital soil testing tools and DIY nutrient kits for home users—bridging agri-tech with consumer convenience.

3. Coromandel International

Operating primarily in Asia, Coromandel International offers a broad spectrum of bio-organic and fortified compost products. The company benefits from extensive distribution networks and government affiliations in India, where it plays a key role in national organic farming missions. Its competitive strength lies in integrated crop nutrition programs that combine advisory services with product supply.

4. ILSA Group

Based in Europe, ILSA Group is a leader in amino acid-based organic fertilizers derived from plant and animal hydrolysates. The company stands out for its R&D-driven innovation pipeline, with a strong focus on biostimulants and fermentation-based solutions. Its eco-certified products cater to high-value horticultural markets in Italy, Spain, and France.

5. Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc.

A U.S.-based pioneer, Suståne specializes in slow-release composted organic fertilizers, widely used in turf management, landscaping, and sustainable agriculture. Its differentiation lies in soil biology enrichment, and the company promotes an ESG-first branding approach that appeals to both public-sector contracts and eco-conscious farms.

6. BioSTAR Organics

Focused on the North American market, BioSTAR Organics is gaining traction among organic-certified produce growers. Its liquid foliar and fertigation solutions are formulated to meet USDA Organic and OMRI standards. The company partners with distribution cooperatives and niche agronomists to reach regenerative farms and permaculture operations.

7. National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)

NFL, a public-sector company in India, has diversified into organic and biofertilizer segments in response to national policy shifts. It leverages its extensive state-run distribution channels and subsidized pricing model to achieve mass penetration among smallholders, making it a formidable player in volume terms.

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Benchmark Highlights:

Company	Innovation Focus	Regional Reach	Product Differentiation
Tata Chemicals	Fortified manures, rural training	South Asia, Africa	Integrated agri-solutions
ScottsMiracle-Gro	Home-use organics, digital tools	North America	Urban gardening kits
ILSA Group	Biostimulants, amino acids	Europe	Fermentation-based formulations
BioSTAR Organics	USDA/OMRI-compliant liquids	U.S., Canada	Precision fertigation blends
Suståne	Soil-enriching slow release	Global	Circular economy model

The competitive landscape is evolving rapidly as companies prioritize traceability, eco-certifications, and farmer-focused services. The next phase of differentiation will hinge on biologically advanced inputs and smart delivery systems.

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5. Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

The adoption of organic fertilizers varies considerably across regions, influenced by regulatory incentives, agricultural practices, infrastructure readiness, and consumer demand for organic food. Here's a breakdown of regional dynamics:

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North America

North America holds a strong position in the global market, driven by:

• A well-established organic food sector, particularly in the United States and Canada

• High consumer awareness about chemical-free nutrition

• State-supported organic transition programs, especially in California and the Northeastern U.S.

Large-scale organic farms in the U.S. are increasingly adopting precision fertigation systems using liquid organic fertilizers to improve nutrient efficiency in fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop production. Canada’s agri-environmental policies also provide subsidies for using organic inputs to reduce nitrate runoff and soil acidification.

The presence of leading brands like ScottsMiracle-Gro and BioSTAR Organics further supports commercial and home-garden applications of organic fertilizers in this region.

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Europe

Europe remains the global leader in organic fertilizer consumption and regulatory structuring. The region's growth is underpinned by:

• The European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, which mandates reduced use of synthetic fertilizers

• High organic acreage in countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Austria

• A mature network of certified organic farmers and cooperatives

Germany is a front-runner in implementing bio-circular fertilizer programs, using compost from municipal and agricultural waste. France has been instrumental in promoting amino-acid and plant-based organic fertilizers through its agroecology transitions. Meanwhile, Southern Europe’s vineyard and olive sectors extensively utilize mineral-organic blends for long-term soil conditioning.

Europe's regulatory harmonization through ECOCERT and private labels like Demeter reinforces trust in organic inputs, stimulating both domestic demand and exports.

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Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, catalyzed by government-led shifts toward sustainable agriculture. Key developments include:

• India’s Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and National Program for Organic Production (NPOP)

• China’s renewed push for green agriculture under its Five-Year Plans

• Growing organic exports from Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines

India, in particular, is investing heavily in biofertilizer production units, often at the village level, promoting localized manufacturing and use. Japan and South Korea are also leading in controlled-environment agriculture that relies on organic liquid fertilizers.

“Asia’s pivot toward regenerative and residue-free farming is driving exponential demand for organic fertilizers,” notes a sustainable agriculture advisor based in Bangkok.

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LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

This region presents a mixed adoption outlook with emerging high-growth zones:

• Latin America, especially Brazil and Argentina, has seen a surge in certified organic farmland, driven by export potential to North America and Europe. Brazil’s vast sugarcane and coffee sectors are exploring bio-composting solutions.

• Africa is emerging as a promising frontier, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, where NGOs and agri-tech startups are piloting organic input systems among smallholder farmers.

• The Middle East has niche demand in hydroponic and greenhouse systems, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where liquid organic fertilizers are preferred for desert agriculture.

However, limited manufacturing infrastructure, fragmented certification systems, and low farmer awareness still constrain full-scale adoption in some LAMEA sub-regions.

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Regional White Space & Opportunities:

• Sub-Saharan Africa presents untapped potential for on-farm organic fertilizer units using livestock and crop waste

• Central Asia and Eastern Europe offer emerging markets as synthetic fertilizer costs and import dependencies rise

• Middle Eastern desert farming can be enhanced via precision fertigation with organic micro-nutrient solutions

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6. End-User Dynamics and Use Case

The end-user landscape of the organic fertilizers market is both broad and diverse, reflecting the product’s adaptability across farming scales, crop types, and sustainability goals. Adoption patterns vary significantly between commercial agribusinesses, smallholder farmers, institutional growers, and home gardeners.

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1. Commercial Farms

Large-scale commercial farms, especially those producing organic-certified fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops, are the primary revenue generators in this market. These farms use organic fertilizers to comply with export-oriented certification programs like USDA Organic, EU Organic, and JAS (Japan Agricultural Standards).

They typically employ multi-nutrient blends and microbial-enhanced fertilizers integrated with digital farming systems. The focus here is on yield optimization, soil carbon enhancement, and residue-free outputs. Organic inputs are often scheduled based on real-time soil analytics and predictive crop modeling.

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2. Smallholder Farmers

Smallholder farms represent a high-potential growth segment, particularly in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Governments and NGOs are promoting organic fertilizer adoption among these groups due to its low input cost, local production feasibility, and environmental benefits.

Many farmers in this segment produce organic fertilizers on-site using compost pits, vermiculture units, or bio-digesters, supplemented by subsidized products from cooperatives. The challenge remains in training, consistent quality assurance, and scaling production to commercial levels.

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3. Institutional Growers

These include organic food corporations, plantation estates (e.g., coffee, cocoa, tea), research institutions, and certified organic contract farming networks. They tend to use standardized and traceable organic inputs to maintain brand credibility and food safety.

These growers prioritize certified formulations, often with QR-code-based traceability to meet auditing and export compliance needs. Such users are also early adopters of novel organic products like nano-fertilizers or fermentation-derived amino acids.

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4. Home Gardeners & Urban Growers

A fast-rising but lower-volume segment, home gardeners and urban growers are fueling retail demand, especially for ready-to-use, odor-free organic fertilizers in granular or liquid forms. Products in this space emphasize user convenience, brand aesthetic, and ecological branding. This group is especially important in North America, Europe, and parts of East Asia.

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Real-World Use Case: Precision Organic Fertigation in South Korea

A tertiary horticultural farm in Jeollanam-do province, South Korea, transitioned from conventional composting to a fertigation-based liquid organic fertilizer system in 2023.

Using a mixture of seaweed extract and fermented soybean residues, the farm integrated its fertigation process with a smart irrigation system calibrated through real-time soil nutrient sensors. Over two seasonal cycles, the following results were observed:

• 22% increase in cherry tomato yield

• 15% improvement in soil microbial activity (based on rhizosphere assay)

• 18% water savings through targeted drip application

This model demonstrated that even high-value crops in controlled environments can benefit from precision-organic systems, marrying ecological principles with smart technology.

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7. Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• April 2024 – A collaborative project between India's ICAR and a private agri-biotech startup launched “BhuSaathi”, a decentralized organic fertilizer kit aimed at empowering women-led farm groups in rural Maharashtra. Source

• August 2023 – In Italy, the government allocated over €20 million in subsidies to organic input producers as part of its “AgriBio Circular Economy Package.” This funding supports composting infrastructure and biostimulant R&D. Source

• February 2023 – A Chilean agri-tech firm launched a marine-algae-based foliar fertilizer targeting organic avocado and citrus plantations, which reported a 30% rise in export-quality yields. Source

• November 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture revised its National Organic Program (NOP) to streamline the approval of novel microbial inputs, opening doors for startups working on next-gen bio-organic fertilizers. Source

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Opportunities

 

• Emerging Markets in Africa & Central Asia
  Demand is rising for locally manufactured organic fertilizers made from livestock and agro-waste. These regions have access to raw materials but lack industrial capacity—creating a high-impact investment opportunity.

• Digital Integration with Smart Farming
  Organic fertilizer companies can partner with ag-tech platforms to integrate nutrient recommendation systems, automated fertigation, and traceability solutions—bridging product with precision.

• Carbon Credit and ESG-Linked Incentives
  Adoption of organic inputs that promote carbon sequestration and reduce nitrogen runoff may soon qualify farms for carbon credits and ESG-linked financing, especially in EU and North American markets.

 

Restraints

• Regulatory Fragmentation and Certification Delays

  A lack of unified organic input certification standards across countries hampers international trade. Delays in product registration can hinder market entry for innovative formulations.

• Limited Shelf Life and Transportation Challenges

  Many bio-organic and microbial products require careful storage and have shorter shelf lives, especially in warm and humid climates, which complicates logistics for exporters.

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Organic Fertilizers Market Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 12.7 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 26.7 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 13.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2023
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Source Type, Crop Type, Form, Application Method, End User, Geography
By Source Type	Plant-Based, Animal-Based, Mineral-Based
By Crop Type	Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseeds & Pulses, Others
By Form	Dry, Liquid
By Application Method	Broadcasting, Fertigation, Foliar
By End User	Commercial Farmers, Smallholders, Home Gardeners, Institutional Growers
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	Sustainability demand, Organic food growth, Government policy incentives
Customization Option	Available upon request