Report : Europe Cover Crop Seeds Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031), Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Species (Niger, White Mustard, Forage Pea, Common Vetch, Rye, Bristle Oat, Buckwheat, Cover Crop Mixtures, Fodder Radish, Turnip Rape and Others) and Country
France to Dominate Europe Cover Crop Seeds Market Size During 2023–2031
According to our new research study on “Europe Cover Crop Seeds Market Forecast to 2031 – by Species,” the market was valued at US$ 404.24 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 680.78 million by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 6.7% during 2023–2031. The report highlights key factors propelling the market growth and prominent players along with their developments in the market. Apart from growth drivers, the report covers the Europe cover crop seeds market trends and their foreseeable impact during the forecast period.
The scope of the Europe cover crop seeds market report focuses on Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, UK, and the Rest of Europe. France dominated the market in 2023. The demand for cover crop seeds in France is increasing owing to the combination of environmental, economic, and regulatory factors. With a surge in sustainable farming practices, driven by the European Green Deal and "Farm to Fork" strategy, cover crops are seen as a vital tool for improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing chemical inputs like synthetic fertilizers. In France, the land is left fallow in winter, and cover crops are planted after summer-harvested crops, such as winter wheat and winter barley, in order to limit nitrate leaching and minimize soil erosion. Mustard is frequently used as a cover crop because of its low cost and ease of growing.
Europe Cover Crop Seeds Market Growth
Germany accounted for a significant market share in 2023. In the last few decades, the diversity of cover crop species in Germany has been low. White mustard and oilseed radish are cultivated because of their high biomass production and the capability of certain varieties to reduce the population of phytopathological nematodes in crop rotations, including sugar beets and potatoes. They also decrease the risk of nitrate losses due to leaching and provide reasonable weed control. Phacelia is commonly grown as a cover crop because it is not related to any main crop in Germany; moreover, it is less likely to be a host of common pests and crop diseases.
In Europe, where large-scale agriculture dominates, the demand for cover crops is on the rise as farmers increasingly adopt sustainable practices. For instance, in January 2024, Cérience, the seed subsidiary of the Terrena cooperative, announced the total acquisition of the Dutch company Vandinter Semo. This acquisition aligns with the Terrena 2030 strategic plan, marking a new step in developing the seed company Cérience in an international market serving the cooperative and its members. Vandinter Semo has invested heavily in the creative research of cruciferous varieties and presents unique genetics of high-performance forage radish and mustard to combat crop nematodes. Furthermore, the European Union's focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting soil health has led to the increased adoption of cover crops. As a result, seed manufacturers are consolidating to strengthen their ability to meet regulatory demands and offer innovative solutions. Therefore, strategic development initiatives by manufacturers are a major driving force behind the growth of the cover crop seeds market growth in Europe. Through product innovations, partnerships, expanded distributions, marketing efforts, and sustainability initiatives, manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for sustainable agriculture.
The growing demand for organic seeds is becoming a prominent trend in the cover crop seeds market across Europe. This trend is driven by several factors, including increasing consumer awareness about sustainable agriculture, stringent regulations on synthetic chemical use, and the rising popularity of organic food products. As organic farming practices continue to expand, the demand for organic seeds, including those used for cover crops, is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The shift toward sustainable agricultural practices is the primary driver of the rising demand for organic seeds in Europe. Farmers are increasingly adopting organic farming methods to reduce their environmental impact and meet the growing consumer preference for organic products. Cover crops are essential components of organic farming systems, as they help improve soil health, prevent erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling. Organic seeds play a crucial role in this system by ensuring that farmers can maintain the integrity of their organic certification while promoting sustainable farming practices. As more farmers transition to organic agriculture, the need for certified organic seeds for cover crops is expected to grow. Thus, the rising preference for organic seeds is emerging as a trend in the Europe cover crop seeds market.
Europe Cover Crop Seeds Market: Segmental Overview
The Europe cover crop seeds market analysis has been performed by considering different species. By species, the market is segmented into niger, white mustard, forage pea, common vetch, rye, bristle oat, buckwheat, cover crop mixtures, fodder radish, turnip rape, and others. The cover crop mixtures segment accounted for the largest Europe cover crop seeds market share in 2023. Cover crop mixture of oat, vetch, and sunflower functions like a nitrogen factory if planted early, i.e., before August 1 in northeastern France. It serves as an alternative legume because organic crop rotations tend to be legume-heavy. Moreover, combining Persian clover with other annual clovers, such as crimson and berseem, can work well for a high biomass fertility building mixture. Similarly, it can be combined with annual Westerwold ryegrass for a high-yielding silage crop. It has been observed that a mixture of plants often performs better than a monoculture of the best-performing plant in that mix. Each plant species has unique liquid carbon root exudates that feed a diverse community of microbes, making the whole system work. This is one of the major reasons why diverse cover crop mixtures are preferred.
The rye segment accounted for a significant Europe cover crop seeds market share in 2023. Rye is considered an excellent winter cover crop as it rapidly produces a ground cover that holds soil in place against the forces of water and wind. It is used as a cover, forage, or grain crop. Rye's deep roots help prevent compaction in annually tilled fields. As its roots are quite extensive, rye positively affects soil tilth. Rye is a cold-tolerant grain that yields a long-lasting cover.
The common vetch segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Common vetch is a leguminous plant that provides nitrogen fixation and aids in improving soil fertility. The extensive root system of common vetch prevents erosion and helps control weeds, which makes it a natural choice for sustainable farming. It improves soil quality by adding organic matter, supports crop rotation systems, and provides early-season ground cover. Moreover, common vetch can serve as a habitat for wildlife and, in some cases, offer forage for livestock. Its cold tolerance makes it suitable for various climates, but it is not nearly as cold-tolerant as that of Hairy vetch. It is also used as a part of the mixture.
Pure Seed, PH Petersen Saatzucht Lundsgaard GmbH, KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA, Agrolitpa, Limagrain UK Ltd, Feldsaaten Freudenberger GmbH & Co KG, RAGT SEMENCES SAS, Linas Agro AB, SAATEN-UNION GmbH, and Rolimpex Nasiona S.A are among the leading companies profiled in the Europe cover crop seeds market report.
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