Earthworm Farming Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis, Trends, Growth, Forecasts, 2030

Earthworm Farming Industry Prospective:

The global earthworm farming market size was worth around USD 150.89 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 469.34 million by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 15.24% between 2023 and 2030.

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Earthworm Farming Market: Overview

Earthworm farming is also known as worm farming or vermiculture. It involves the use of earthworms for producing worm manure, the world’s most nutrient-rich naturally-derived fertilizer. Earthworms when placed in organic waste convert help in producing vermicompost or worm castings. The complete process includes components such as beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, and minerals that are necessary for the root development and healthy growth of plants.

Furthermore, the fertilizer produced using earthworms helps in preventing plant diseases or suppressing the intensity of the diseases. Earthworm farming is unofficially also known as ‘Black Gold’ among gardeners and farmers. Vermicompost is required in small quantities since one tablespoon of earthworm-based organic manure can aid plant growth for at least 3 months. Only 7 out of 4000 known species of earthworm are used in farming procedures. All of the 7 earthworm species belong to the epigeic segment. They are surface dwellers and red. Furthermore, they survive by consuming or living in rotting organic matter. During the forecast period, the demand for earthworm farming is projected to grow.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global earthworm farming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 15.24% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global earthworm farming market size was valued at around USD 150.89 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 469.34 million by 2030.
• The market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the rising demand for food security on a global scale
• Based on end-use segmentation, vermicompost was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on species segmentation, Eisenia Fetida was the leading segment in 2022
• On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2022

Earthworm Farming Market: Growth Drivers

Rising demand for food security on a global scale may drive market growth

The global earthworm farming market is projected to grow owing to the increasing demand for food security across the world. As per official reports, the world's population is projected to reach close to 10 billion by 2050. In addition to this, the majority of the world's population is currently working in urban settings. The number of farmers responsible for food production has drastically reduced in the last decade. The number of farms is declining at a rapid rate. For instance, as per a report published by the University of Colorado Boulder claimed that the number of farms is expected to reduce from 616 million to 272 million starting from 2020 to 2100.

Apart from the rising urbanization rate, other factors have also played a role in the diminishing number of farmers globally. Climate change is one of the leading causes. The last decade has witnessed a steady shift in climatic conditions including sudden intense rain, storms, or longer periods with no rain, resulting in an insufficient supply of water. The raw materials cost required for farming has skyrocketed in recent times leading to a growing number of farmers facing reduced crop yield that translated into higher financial losses. In 2021, around 50% of India’s farmers were debt-ridden. More land is being used for the development of urban areas leaving fewer farming areas. These issues have comprehensively affected the global food supply chain as many parts of the world are registering food shortages in addition to inflated prices of food grains.

In October 2023, Europe’s food inflation rate was 7.59%. Similar statistics were observed in other parts of the world as well. As the demand for food is growing but the supply remains limited, the use of earthworm farming may take precedence during the forecast period. Farmers using earthworms for farming do not have to rely on external sources for access to fertilizers. Earthworms are inexpensive and do not cost as much as other forms of farming. Moreover, during the COVID-19 lockdown, earthworm farming made farmers more self-sufficient.

Increasing use in gardening activities may deliver a higher growth rate

The global earthworm farming market is projected to grow due to the increasing interest of common people in gardening activities. Earthworms deliver exceptional results in plant growth if used in appropriate quantities. Moreover, their inexpensive nature makes them ideal for local gardening activities.

Earthworm Farming Market: Restraints

Application limitation of earthworm farming may restrict the market growth rate

The global earthworm farming industry is projected to be restricted due to the limited application of the process. Earthworm farming is not suitable for large-scale farming. It is mostly suitable for smaller farms with limited crop yield.

On the other hand, earthworms can be difficult to maintain. They must be kept in ideal conditions including moisture content and temperature of the surroundings. Other forms of limited application include recommendations against using earthworms when dairy or meat products are a part of the organic matter since these products attract pests that lead to diseases.

Earthworm Farming Market: Opportunities

Rising demand for organic food products will encourage farmers to use earthworm farming.

The global earthworm farming market is projected to be impacted by the increasing demand for organic or chemical-free food products. Public awareness about the health impacts of chemically processed food has increased in recent times leading to higher consumption of organic food. For instance, chemical-free food does not contain artificial preservatives that are known as the leading causes of several forms of health issues including obesity and heart conditions.

On the other hand, organic farming is more environmentally friendly. Since it does not include chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the soil nutrient content is well-maintained throughout the farming process. Research indicates that around 28.9% of India’s population actively seeks only organic food. In 2021, the organic food industry made a total revenue of over 133 billion.

Growing investments in beautification projects globally to impact demand for earthworm farming

Countries globally are seeking measures to improve living standards for people investing in the improvement of public spaces such as gardens and other facilities. The growing investments in the beautification of public places worldwide may help drive the demand in the global earthworm farming industry.

For instance, the Lamaha beautification project in the Guyana region of Africa was completed in 2023. The green space is expected to provide families in the region to enjoy quality time.

Earthworm Farming Market: Challenges

High competition from other forms of farming processes may challenge market expansion

The global earthworm farming market will be challenged by the presence of a competitive market in the form of large-scale acceptance of chemical fertilizer farming. Furthermore, there are other options as well to achieve organic farming including practices such as green manuring and composting.

Earthworm Farming Market: Segmentation

The global earthworm farming market is segmented based on end-user, species, and others.

Based on end-use, the global market segments are fowl feed, fishing bait, farming, vermicompost, and others. In 2022, the highest demand was registered in the vermicompost segment. Earthworms are essential raw materials used for vermicompost production. Natural fertilizer is known to significantly improve soil composition which in turn helps in increased crop yield. It is a rich source of nutrients required for farming as it provides 2 to 3% nitrogen and 1.55 to 2.25% phosphorus.

Based on species, the global market segments are Perionyx Excavatus, Eudrilus Eugeniae, Eisenia Andrei, Eisenia Fetida, and others. The highest demand was observed for Eisenia Fetida in 2022. It is the most commonly used species of earthworm for farming. The species is also known as Tiger Worm and offers superior tolerance making it extremely popular among earthworm farming practitioners. Earthworms belonging to the Eisenia Fetida species can survive in the temperature range of 10-30° and moisture content range of 60-90%.

Earthworm Farming Market: Report Scope

Earthworm Farming Market: Regional Analysis

North America to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period

The global earthworm farming market is projected to witness the highest growth rate in North America. The US and Canada regions have extensive farmlands. Moreover, the regional countries are emphasizing practicing environmentally friendly agricultural practices including earthworm farming. The higher awareness among farmers about the benefits and applications of earthworm farming contributes to the regional market.

Furthermore, US and Canadian citizens are avid gardeners. Reports suggest that more than 71.8% of the American population enjoys gardening activities. It is one the largest countries in terms of gardening as a hobby. Europe is a leading market with a high return on investment. The growth rate is a result of the presence of a massive food production economy in European countries.

In December 2023, Greenta, an Italy-based startup specializing in the use of natural fertilizers for soil fertility regeneration, was reported to have received high revenue by selling vermicompost. Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a rapid rate. China and India are some of the world’s leading agricultural nations. Moreover, emerging economies are investing heavily in regional farming procedures since they employ a large part of the population.

Earthworm Farming Market: Competitive Analysis

The global earthworm farming market is led by players like:

• My NOKE
• Guangxi Xintianyu Technology Co. Ltd.
• Kahariam Farms.
• Vermi Co
• Worm Power
• Davo's Worm Farms
• Organic Sunrise Natural
• NutriSoil

The global earthworm farming market is segmented as follows:

By End-Use

• Fowl Feed
• Fishing Bait
• Farming
• Vermicompost
• Others

By Species

• Perionyx Excavatus
• Eudrilus Eugeniae
• Eisenia Andrei
• Eisenia Fetida
• 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