Spain Alfalfa Market Size - Share Outlook, Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends 2026-2030

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a high-protein perennial legume primarily cultivated as livestock feed for cattle, horses, and other animals. The European alfalfa hay market was valued at approximately USD 25.4 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach around USD 26.75 billion in 2026, with the broader global alfalfa market reaching approximately USD 31.2 billion in the same year. Europe produced approximately 74.0 million metric tons of alfalfa hay in 2025, with volumes expected to grow toward 99.3 million metric tons in the coming years.

• •Spain's alfalfa hay market was valued at approximately USD 368 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 552 million by 2031 at a 5.2% CAGR
• •Europe's total alfalfa hay production reached approximately 74.0 million metric tons in 2025, a key benchmark for regional supply capacity
• •The global alfalfa market was valued at roughly USD 31.2 billion in 2025, with projections to reach USD 56.8 billion by 2035

The primary engine of growth is robust demand from the livestock and dairy sectors, where alfalfa's high protein and nutrient content make it an indispensable feed component. Spain's Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, dry growing seasons, creates ideal conditions for alfalfa cultivation, enabling multiple harvests per year and positioning the country as a competitive producer within Europe. Rising exports to Middle Eastern markets, particularly Saudi Arabia, have provided an important outlet for surplus production and strengthened Spain's role in the global alfalfa trade.

• •Growing global demand for high-protein livestock feed is driving expanded alfalfa cultivation across the European Union
• •Spain's favorable Mediterranean climate supports multiple harvests annually, giving domestic producers a competitive yield advantage
• •Expanding dairy and meat production sectors across Europe are sustaining strong demand for premium alfalfa hay

Europe's alfalfa market is broadly segmented by feed type, with hay representing the dominant form alongside cubes and pellets. Spain stands alongside Italy and France as the leading alfalfa-producing nations in the region, each contributing significantly to the continent's total output. Italy's alfalfa hay market alone was valued at approximately USD 0.87 billion in 2024, with a projected 2025-2035 CAGR of 5.4%, highlighting the overall health of the Southern European alfalfa sector.

• •Spain, Italy, and France collectively form the core of European alfalfa production, with Italy's market alone valued at approximately USD 0.87 billion in 2024
• •The European alfalfa market is segmented by animal type, primarily cattle, horses, and other livestock, and by feed format including hay, cubes, and pellets
• •The European alfalfa hay market is expected to grow from approximately 74 million metric tons in 2025 toward 99.3 million metric tons in the coming years

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The alfalfa market is experiencing a long-term structural tailwind from the global search for sustainable, high-protein alternatives to imported soybeans, positioning European alfalfa as an increasingly attractive option for livestock nutrition. Spain's strategic location and production capacity support expanding export relationships with Middle Eastern markets, while climate-smart agricultural practices and certification trends are shaping product standards across the supply chain. The market is expected to sustain steady growth through 2031-2035, supported by enduring demand from the global livestock sector and the continued expansion of dairy production.

• •Rising demand for sustainable, non-GMO, and protein-rich alternatives to imported soybeans is creating long-term structural demand for European alfalfa
• •Spain's export-oriented production model is well-positioned to capitalize on growing Middle Eastern import demand, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region
• •Industry consolidation, quality certification trends, and investments in efficient dehydration technology are expected to shape competitive dynamics through 2035