United States Organic Fertilizer Market Size
Study Period | 2017 - 2029 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 354.22 Million | |
Market Size (2029) | USD 630.92 Million | |
Largest Share by Form | Manure | |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 12.24 % | |
Fastest Growing by Form | Manure | |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
United States Organic Fertilizer Market Analysis
The United States Organic Fertilizer Market size is estimated at 354.22 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 630.92 million USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 12.24% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
354.22 Million
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
630.92 Million
Market Size in 2029 (USD)
9.54 %
CAGR (2017-2023)
12.24 %
CAGR (2024-2029)
Largest by Form
46.66 %
value share, Manure, 2023
Manures are the most consumed organic fertilizer in the United States and accounted for a maximum share of 46.7% in the year 2022, due to their higher availability.
Fastest by Form
12.49 %
Projected CAGR, Manure, 2024-2029
Manure can be applied in both organic and non-organic farms to improve the physio-chemical properties of the soil at different growth stages of the crop's life cycle.
Largest by Crop Type
65.90 %
value share, Row Crops, 2023
The organic area under the cultivation of field crops stood at 6.23 lakh hectares in the year 2021 accounting for 71.7% of the total organic area in the country.
Fastest by Crop Type
12.53 %
Projected CAGR, Row Crops, 2024-2029
Major row crops cultivated in the United States include maize, rice, wheat, and barley. Manures are most consumed by the row crops, accounting for a share of 19.1% in 2022.
Leading Market Player
10.64 %
market share, Cedar Grove Composting Inc., 2022
The company offers over 70 natural products, and manufactures around 50.0 million pounds of fertilizers annually with wide distribution network across the country.
- Manures are the most consumed organic fertilizer in the United States, accounting for a maximum share of 46.7% in 2022. Manures can be of plant or animal origin or a decomposed form of plant or animal waste like excreta, which is generally rich in organic matter. Animal or plant waste compost manure, farmyard manure, and green manure are the common types used in agriculture.
- The application of manure fertilizers is generally observed in organic and non-organic farms. It is known to increase organic matter and carbon content in the soil, which would increase the nutrient uptake of the crop and, thus, the grain yield.
- The other organic fertilizers include fish guano, bat guano, fish emulsion, vermicompost, and molasses and are the second most consumed organic fertilizers, accounting for a share of 11.9% in 2021. Despite the rich nutrient properties, other organic fertilizers are less commonly used than manures due to their higher prices, which is slightly hindering the market. However, the demand may increase with the increasing affordability of farmers.
- The demand for meal-based fertilizers majorly comes from certified organic growers and farms under organic conversion. The United States is the largest producer of beef in the world, which accounted for around 20.44% in 2020. This indicates the higher scope for meal-based fertilizer production in the country, leading to easy availability and accessibility for organic farmers.
- The US oilcake market was valued at USD 2.1 million in 2022, with a volume consumption of 5,669.9 metric tons in the same year. Oilcake is a rich source of organic nutrients containing 2.0-8.0% nitrogen, 0-2.0% phosphorous, and 0-2.0% potassium content.
United States Organic Fertilizer Market Trends
Increase in organic area, particularly in row crops, due to country's laws and regulations
- In 2021, the area under organic agricultural farming in the United States was 623 thousand hectares. Organic agriculture in the United States has increased significantly in the previous 20 years, mostly due to the introduction of particular laws and regulations.
- The number of organic farms and ranches in California was 3,061 in 2021, the largest number of certified organic farms in the United States. There were over 1,125 certified organic farms in Pennsylvania. Nearly 15,548 thousand certified organic farms in operation used cropland in 2019, while 7,139 thousand farms operated pastureland and rangeland. The sales value of crops, including those from nurseries and greenhouses, amounted to nearly USD 5.8 billion.
- Row crops dominated organic farming in the nation. In 2021, they accounted for about 71.8% of all organic cropland. The production of cereal crops predominates the country's agricultural sector. The main cereals include maize, wheat, rice, and millet. The consumption of organic products has become popular among US consumers who increasingly choose to eat organic foods because of their various health benefits.
- There is an increasing trend in the overall organic horticultural crop cultivation area, from 112.9 thousand hectares in 2017 to 156.1 thousand hectares in 2021. Regarding domestic production in 2021, the top five fruits and vegetables were apples (31.1%), strawberries (9.5%), oranges (6.9%), romaine lettuce (6.7%), and potatoes (6.2%). In the case of trade, the most imported produce was bananas (53.1%), avocados (7.7%), mangoes (5.8%), blueberries (5.0%), and squashes (4.3%), while the most exported were apples (80.0%), pears (14.4%), cherries (4.0%), dried onions (1.5%), and potatoes (0.2%).
Growing demand for organic produce especially in the fruits and vegetables sector, rise in per capita spending on organic food
- The United States is one of the largest organic product consumers in the world. In 2020, the total sales of organic food products in the country accounted for USD 51.6 billion, according to the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ, 2021). The United States had the largest per capita spending on organic products in the North American region, worth USD 186.7 in 2021.
- Organic fresh fruits and vegetables have been the leading categories of organic food since the establishment of the organic food retail industry. In 2020, retail sales for these organic products were valued at USD 20.0 billion, showing a growing demand for organic produce. The demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables has steadily risen over the past two decades. Organic food sales are rising due to growing consumer awareness, especially among high-income consumers. The most in-demand organic categories include basic foods like eggs, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
- Organic food preferences vary by demographic and region. Younger people aged between 18 and 29 are more likely to seek organic products (over 50%) compared to older people aged 65 and above. Income and region also play a role, with 42% of those with under USD 30,000 income and 49% of those with over USD 75.0 thousand seeking organic products.
- The per capita spending on organic products is increasing in the country, recording a projected CAGR of 5.2% between 2017 and 2021. The growing demand for organic products is creating opportunities for US organic producers to tap into high-value markets both domestically and abroad. The price premium associated with organic products is one of the major limiting factors for organic food consumption for low-income consumers.
United States Organic Fertilizer Industry Overview
The United States Organic Fertilizer Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 18.94%. The major players in this market are California Organic Fertilizers Inc., Cedar Grove Composting Inc., EB Stone & Sons Inc., Morgan Composting Inc. and The Espoma Company (sorted alphabetically).
United States Organic Fertilizer Market Leaders
California Organic Fertilizers Inc.
Cedar Grove Composting Inc.
EB Stone & Sons Inc.
Morgan Composting Inc.
The Espoma Company
Other important companies include Atlas Organics Inc., Cascade Agronomics LLC, Suståne Natural Fertilizer Inc., The Rich Lawn Company LLC, Walts Organic Fertilizers Co..
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
United States Organic Fertilizer Market News
- August 2021: Cedar Grove Composting expanded its production facility for bulk and yard waste in Kenmore, United States.
- October 2018: The Espoma Company expanded its new 12,500 sq. ft headquarters in Millville. This expansion in the production facility helped the company in the large-scale manufacture of organic fertilizers. The Espoma Company is one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of organic lawn and garden fertilizers in the United States.
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.
United States Organic Fertilizer Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
- 4.1 Area Under Organic Cultivation
- 4.2 Per Capita Spending On Organic Products
-
4.3 Regulatory Framework
- 4.3.1 United States
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)
-
5.1 Form
- 5.1.1 Manure
- 5.1.2 Meal Based Fertilizers
- 5.1.3 Oilcakes
- 5.1.4 Other Organic Fertilizer
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5.2 Crop Type
- 5.2.1 Cash Crops
- 5.2.2 Horticultural Crops
- 5.2.3 Row Crops
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
-
6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
- 6.4.1 Atlas Organics Inc.
- 6.4.2 California Organic Fertilizers Inc.
- 6.4.3 Cascade Agronomics LLC
- 6.4.4 Cedar Grove Composting Inc.
- 6.4.5 EB Stone & Sons Inc.
- 6.4.6 Morgan Composting Inc.
- 6.4.7 Suståne Natural Fertilizer Inc.
- 6.4.8 The Espoma Company
- 6.4.9 The Rich Lawn Company LLC
- 6.4.10 Walts Organic Fertilizers Co.
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICALS CEOS
8. APPENDIX
-
8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, AREA UNDER ORGANIC CULTIVATION, HECTARES, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 2:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, PER CAPITA SPENDING ON ORGANIC PRODUCTS, USD, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 3:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 4:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 5:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 6:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 7:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VOLUME SHARE(%), BY FORM, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 8:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY FORM, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 9:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 10:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 11:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY CROP TYPE, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 12:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 13:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 14:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY CROP TYPE, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 15:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 16:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 17:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY CROP TYPE, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 18:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 19:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY FORM, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 20:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY CROP TYPE, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 21:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 22:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 23:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VOLUME SHARE(%), BY CROP TYPE, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 24:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY CROP TYPE, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 25:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 26:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 27:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY FORM, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 28:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 29:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 30:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY FORM, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 31:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VOLUME, METRIC TON, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 32:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, BY CROP TYPE, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 33:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, VALUE SHARE(%), BY FORM, 2022 - 2029
- Figure 34:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES, BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, 2017-2022
- Figure 35:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET, MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, 2017-2022
- Figure 36:
- UNITED STATES ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET SHARE(%), BY MAJOR PLAYERS, 2023
United States Organic Fertilizer Industry Segmentation
Manure, Meal Based Fertilizers, Oilcakes are covered as segments by Form. Cash Crops, Horticultural Crops, Row Crops are covered as segments by Crop Type.
- Manures are the most consumed organic fertilizer in the United States, accounting for a maximum share of 46.7% in 2022. Manures can be of plant or animal origin or a decomposed form of plant or animal waste like excreta, which is generally rich in organic matter. Animal or plant waste compost manure, farmyard manure, and green manure are the common types used in agriculture.
- The application of manure fertilizers is generally observed in organic and non-organic farms. It is known to increase organic matter and carbon content in the soil, which would increase the nutrient uptake of the crop and, thus, the grain yield.
- The other organic fertilizers include fish guano, bat guano, fish emulsion, vermicompost, and molasses and are the second most consumed organic fertilizers, accounting for a share of 11.9% in 2021. Despite the rich nutrient properties, other organic fertilizers are less commonly used than manures due to their higher prices, which is slightly hindering the market. However, the demand may increase with the increasing affordability of farmers.
- The demand for meal-based fertilizers majorly comes from certified organic growers and farms under organic conversion. The United States is the largest producer of beef in the world, which accounted for around 20.44% in 2020. This indicates the higher scope for meal-based fertilizer production in the country, leading to easy availability and accessibility for organic farmers.
- The US oilcake market was valued at USD 2.1 million in 2022, with a volume consumption of 5,669.9 metric tons in the same year. Oilcake is a rich source of organic nutrients containing 2.0-8.0% nitrogen, 0-2.0% phosphorous, and 0-2.0% potassium content.
Form | Manure |
Meal Based Fertilizers | |
Oilcakes | |
Other Organic Fertilizer | |
Crop Type | Cash Crops |
Horticultural Crops | |
Row Crops |
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.