Vermicompost Market Size, Share Report, Analysis, Trends, Growth 2030

Vermicompost Industry Prospective:

The global vermicompost market size was worth around USD 85.39 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 270.25 million by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 15.56% between 2023 and 2030.

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Vermicompost Market: Overview

Vermicompost is a product of aerobic decomposition and earthworm digestion with the help of activities conducted by macro and microorganisms at room temperature. Vermicomposting is also known as worm composting. It is useful in producing rich organic soil amendments filled with beneficial microorganisms and diverse plant nutrients. Some of the most commonly used worm species during the production of vermicompost are white worms, red wigglers, and other types of earthworms.

The rearing of worms is known as vermiculture. Studies indicate that vermicompost consists of water-soluble nutrients that can be extracted as vermiwash. It is considered an excellent organic soil conditioner and fertilizer. The main applications of vermicompost can be found in sustainable organic farming. However, the use also extends to sewage treatment. In recent times, vermicompost has garnered extreme popularity in domestic and industrial settings as opposed to conventional composting. The vermicompost industry is expected to witness a high growth rate during the forecast period.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global vermicompost market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 15.56% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global vermicompost market size was valued at around USD 85.39 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 270.25 million, by 2030.
• The vermicompost market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing demand for organic food products
• Based on application segmentation, horticulture was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on product segmentation, African night crawlers were the leading segment in 2022
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2022

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Vermicompost Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing demand for organic food products to push market demand

The global vermicompost market is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for organic food products. Vermicompost is considered one of the most efficient and potent natural fertilizers. Studies indicate that it can improve soil fertility biologically, chemically, and physically thus providing comprehensive results. Better crop yields can be achieved using vermicompost since it impacts the chemical properties of soil such as electric conductivity, pH levels, and organic matter content. Physically vermicompost-treated soil provides better porosity, aeration, water retention, and bulk density. These factors along with other advantages of vermicompost such as being free of harmful chemicals have resulted in increased adoption of sustainable fertilizer in organic farming procedures.

The growing awareness among the population about the benefits of organic food products has resulted in higher consumption and demand for food items made from chemical-free pesticides and fertilizers. Organic products not only promote individual health but are also friendlier to the environment. For instance, chemical fertilizers, when used in excess, can lead to soil quality degradation. Furthermore, they may seep into nearby water units thus causing water pollution. However, since vermicompost is completely dependent on organic matter, vermicompost does not cause any harm to the environment. A recent official survey indicated that more than 34.1% of the total American population prefers to eat organic food.

Vermicompost Market: Restraints

Limited awareness and education on vermicompost use and benefits may restrict market growth

The global vermicompost market growth is likely to be restricted by limited awareness and education surrounding the correct method or using vermicompost and its final benefits. Research indicates that although using vermicompost can lead to improved soil nutrients, it should only be used in moderate and required amounts. Using vermicompost at high concentrations can lead to limited plant growth as higher quantities contain greater levels of soluble salts. Furthermore, several farmers across the globe lack the necessary awareness about vermicomposting as they continue to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides to improve crop yield. It is also because managing vermicompost quality consistently can be difficult since vermicomposting is a natural process causing further inhibitions against market adoption.

Vermicompost Market: Opportunities

Increased government support toward vermicompost promotion may create further growth opportunities

The global vermicompost industry growth will register higher growth opportunities owing to the increasing support from government bodies to promote organic and sustainable farming using chemical-free fertilizers. Governments across the world are working toward establishing new measures to prevent soil pollution and degradation. Furthermore, since the demand for higher crop yield has reached new heights, the adoption of environment-friendly farming practices is one of the few methods of ensuring higher crop production without damaging the ecosystem. For instance, in August 2022, the Chhattisgarh government of India applied for a subsidy on vermicompost production under the country’s Godhan Nyay Yojana. The state bought over 7.35 million quintals of cow dung and paid over INR 147 crore to help the rural economy register a significant boost. In a similar event, in September 2023, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu launched initiatives to attract local farmers to set up organic manure manufacturing units. The regional government will provide a subsidy of INR 1 lakh under the State Agricultural Development Scheme. The government is encouraging farmers to produce organic manure including vermicompost, jeevamirtham, and panchakaviyam. Vermicompost is an extremely popular organic compost in several large economies including the US, India, Mexico, Europe, and Brazil.

Vermicompost Market: Challenges

Growing demand from competing solutions creates growth challenges

The global vermicompost market growth is projected to be challenged by the presence of an extensive market for competing solutions especially chemical fertilizers prepared synthetically. These fertilizers are most easily available in the market at more cost-effective prices. Furthermore, the difficulties gaining access to raw materials required for vermicomposting add to growth barriers alongside the process being extremely labor-intensive. Several studies indicate the sensitivity of vermicomposts toward extreme temperatures or varying environmental conditions. These technical and economic challenges associated with vermicompost will cause growth limitations.

Vermicompost Market: Segmentation

The global vermicompost market is segmented based on application, product, and region.

Based on application, the global market segments are golf courses, home gardening, landscaping, and horticulture. In 2022, the highest application of vermicompost was observed in the horticulture segment due to the high-performance results shown by vermicompost in improving seedling growth and overall yield. Horticulture deals with the production of a wide range of plants that are further used for several purposes including medicinal, environmental, and food. Horticulture relies heavily on soil quality and vermicompost acts as the best source for improving the quality of soil. As per the latest research, the global greenhouse horticulture market was valued at USD 31.58 billion in 2022.

Based on product, the vermicomposting industry is fragmented into African night crawlers, lumbricus rebellus vermicomposting, and others. In 2022, the highest growth rate was registered in the African night crawlers segment since they are the most commonly used type of earthworms for vermicomposting procedures. This species of earthworm is also known as Eudrilus eugeniae and is considered the best type of worm for soil enrichment. Decomposing organic material becomes easier and faster using this species of earthworms. As per research-based recommendations, vermicomposting provides the best results when worms are added to garbage in a 1:1 ratio meaning 1 pound of worms for 1 pound of garbage.

Vermicompost Market: Report Scope

Vermicompost Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to deliver the best results during the forecast period

The global vermicompost market is expected to witness the highest growth in Asia-Pacific. This process of organic farming is widely used in Southeast Asia in countries such as Bangladesh, India, China, and other nations. Agriculture is one of the largest forms of employment in Asian countries. More than 51% of land in India is used for cultivation and similar statistics are observed in other regions in Asia-Pacific. These countries have been using vermicomposting for several decades as a natural means of preserving and improving soil nutrients. Furthermore, the increasing demand for food products as the regional populations are growing rapidly has resulted in more investments in agriculture with the governments providing lucrative incentives and subsidies to farmers especially the segment dealing with organic farming. In April 2023, the Bihar state of India announced that it would soon launch new incentives to promote organic farming in the state. Currently, around 13 state districts are investing in chemical-free farming. In a recent development, the forest department of India undertook the vermi-village initiative that promotes vermicompost products in rural areas providing employment to women and as an alternative method of livelihood.

Vermicompost Market: Competitive Analysis

The global vermicompost market is led by players like:

• Worm Power
• Earthworm Technologies
• Happy D Ranch Worm Farm
• VermiCo
• Red Worm Composting
• Black Gold
• Texas Worm Ranch
• Nature's Little Recyclers
• Big Red Worms
• AgriLife
• GreenTree AgroTech
• Midwest Organics Recycling
• U.S. Composting Council (USCC)
• California Vermiculture
• Earthworm Soil Factory
• Uncle Jim's Worm Farm
• Sonoma Valley Worm Farm
• Worm's Way
• O2Compost
• Organic Solutions Inc.
• Sonoma Compost Company
• Vermont Compost Company
• VermiBag
• VermiTek Inc.
• Fresh Start Growers' Supply

The global vermicompost market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Golf Courses
• Home Gardening
• Landscaping
• Horticulture

By Product

• Africa Night Crawlers
• Lumbricus Rubellus Vermicomposting
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa