| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 18.37 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 24.82 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.20 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Alfalfa Hay Market Analysis
The Europe Alfalfa Hay Market size is estimated at USD 18.37 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 24.82 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The alfalfa hay market is primarily influenced by several factors, including the growing demand for high-quality hay for livestock and cattle, fluctuations in alfalfa hay prices, and price trends of alternative feed and forage options. In recent years, alfalfa hay has gained significance in poultry feed and animal feed industries due to its high crude protein content.
Spain, France, and Italy are the leading alfalfa producers in Europe. Spain, in particular, stands out as Western Europe's primary alfalfa hay exporter, with France and Italy also making significant market contributions. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Spain exported 75% of its dried alfalfa production in 2023. The United Arab Emirates emerged as Spain's largest market, absorbing over 45% of these exports, followed by China at 24%. Spain's other key markets for dried fodder include France and Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Asian markets, including South Korea and Japan, also play a significant role in Spain's export landscape. European alfalfa acreage primarily focuses on producing dehydrated forage, predominantly hay. Despite facing challenges, alfalfa's high agronomic potential and its ability to yield substantial protein per unit area underscore its importance in European agriculture. The European Commission reported that in 2021, the EU produced a total of 3.6 million metric tons of dehydrated forages, comprising 2.6 million metric tons of alfalfa and 1.05 million metric tons of grasses. The use of mowing machines with roll conditioners has improved the drying process, minimizing quality losses. In certain European regions, particularly those producing high-quality items like protected-designation-of-origin cheeses, on-farm barn drying is gaining popularity, further driving market growth.
The trend towards organic farming in the country has led to increased production of organic livestock. According to Eurostat, in 2022, the European Union (EU) reported 5.4 million organic bovine animals (7.2% of all bovines), 1.0 million organic cows (4.9%), and 6.1 million organic sheep (10.4%). Alfalfa and grass hay, being naturally sourced, are extensively used in organic livestock production. This usage pattern supports the demand for both hay products in the local market.
Europe Alfalfa Hay Market Trends
Dairy and Meat Animal Feed is the Largest Consumer of Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is a primary feed source for various farm animals, including dairy cows, horses, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. It is harvested, stored, and made available in diverse forms: small, medium, and large rectangular bales, round bales, stacks, pellets, cubes, and loose hay. The European alfalfa hay market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by livestock demands. The European Union (EU) is a major producer of beef and veal, with a cattle herd of 78 million and over 70 million sheep and goats (85% sheep and 15% goats). According to Eurostat, in 2023, France led the EU in bovine meat production, producing 1,301.4 thousand metric tons of beef and veal, followed by Germany at 992.9 thousand metric tons.
In Europe, livestock products are in high demand due to their nutritional value and taste. Additionally, dairy product manufacturers are increasingly using alfalfa hay, driven by changing consumer preferences associated with rising income levels. According to Eurostat, the apparent annual milk yield in Europe continued to increase, reaching 7,653 kg per dairy cow in 2022. At the national level, Denmark (10,187 kg per cow) and Estonia (10,128 kg per cow) recorded the highest apparent annual yields, while Bulgaria (3,621 kg per cow) and Romania (3,367 kg per cow) had the lowest.
The dairy industry is driving the demand for alfalfa hay in Europe. European countries have increased agricultural productivity and production, leading to growing trade surpluses. According to FAOSTAT, in 2022, the production of beef and buffalo meat reached 6,903.5 thousand metric tons, while sheep and goat meat production was 577,490 thousand metric tons. The livestock sector faces significant pressure to meet the rising demand for high-value animal protein. Alfalfa hay demand is increasing substantially, primarily due to evolving production practices in the dairy industry. Modern dairy farmers, managing larger herds, prefer high-quality feeds. This reliance on alfalfa hay for dairy and animal feed is projected to continue driving the alfalfa hay market throughout the forecast period.
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France Leads Significant Position in Alfalfa Hay Market
France is a major producer and exporter of dried alfalfa. The United States Department of Agriculture reported that France produced 1.4 million metric tons of alfalfa hay in 2022. The primary alfalfa farming region, located east of Paris, accounts for 80% of the country's production. Approximately 10,000 farmers across France cultivate alfalfa for personal use or supply it to cooperative-run drying plants. Alfalfa holds the position of the primary forage crop in France, providing essential proteins to various livestock, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, horses, and poultry. Its widespread availability makes it an ideal hay choice, as it is produced and sold throughout the country. Alfalfa contains 15%-22% crude protein and is rich in various vitamins and minerals.
France has established itself as a prominent exporter of alfalfa hay, renowned for its high protein content and efficacy as feed for cattle and horses. French alfalfa is distributed across European markets and beyond, primarily addressing the nutritional needs of these livestock. Key importers of French alfalfa include Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway. According to UN Comtrade data, France's exports of lucerne (alfalfa) meal increased from 141,612 metric tons in 2022 to 153,977 metric tons in 2023. This positive export trend is bolstering domestic production, which is anticipated to drive market growth throughout the forecast period.
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Europe Alfalfa Hay Industry Overview
The Europe alfalfa Hay market is highly fragmented. Companies not only compete on new product launches but also focus on strategic moves, such as mergers and acquisitions and expansion to acquire larger market shares. Some of the key players in the market are Alfalfa Monegros S L, Al Dahra Agriculture, Anderson Hay & Grain Inc., Cubeit Hay Company, and Grupo Osés. Major companies with the help of product innovation, merger, and acquisition strategies are trying to compete in the market.
Europe Alfalfa Hay Market Leaders
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Al Dahra Agriculture
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Cubeit Hay Company
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Grupo Osés
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Anderson Hay & Grain Inc.
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ALFALFA MONEGROS
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Europe Alfalfa Hay Market News
- March 2024: The National Association of Dehydrated Alfalfa Producers (Aefa) partnered with Aife/Italian Fodder Supply Chain to promote dehydrated fodder produced in Europe and destined to gain market shares in Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
- February 2022: Nafosa Firm added an organic alfalfa pellet to its animal feed production line. They have put organic, dehydrated, ground, and pressed alfalfa into granules made available to their customers for the best nutrition of their animals.
Europe Alfalfa Hay Industry Segmentation
Alfalfa, (Medicago sativa, popularly known as lucerne), is an important forage crop widely grown primarily for hay, pasturage, and silage. Alfalfa hay is very nutritious and palatable, high in protein, minerals, and vitamins. The European Alfalfa Hay Market is Segmented by Type (Bales, Pellets, and Cubes), Application (Meat/Dairy Animal Feed, Horse Feed, Poultry, and other Applications), and Geography (United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Russia, France, and Rest of Europe). The report offers market estimation and forecasts in Value (USD) and in Volume (Metric Tons) for the above-mentioned segments.
| Type | Bales |
| Pellets | |
| Cubes | |
| Application | Meat/Dairy Animal Feed |
| Poultry | |
| Horse Feed | |
| Other Applications | |
| Geography | United Kingdom |
| Germany | |
| Spain | |
| Russia | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Rest of Europe |
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Europe Alfalfa Hay Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Alfalfa Hay Market?
The Europe Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 18.37 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.20% to reach USD 24.82 million by 2030.
What is the current Europe Alfalfa Hay Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Alfalfa Hay Market size is expected to reach USD 18.37 million.
Who are the key players in Europe Alfalfa Hay Market?
Al Dahra Agriculture, Cubeit Hay Company, Grupo Osés, Anderson Hay & Grain Inc. and ALFALFA MONEGROS are the major companies operating in the Europe Alfalfa Hay Market.
What years does this Europe Alfalfa Hay Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Alfalfa Hay Market size was estimated at USD 17.23 million. The report covers the Europe Alfalfa Hay Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Alfalfa Hay Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Alfalfa Hay in Europe Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Alfalfa Hay market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Alfalfa Hay 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.
