Japan Forage Market Expected to Reach USD 7.9 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

Japan Forage Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The Japan forage market size was valued at USD 5.5 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 7.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2025 to 2033.

The forage market in Japan is largely driven by its extensive utilization as a feed source for livestock and other animals. Besides this, the elevating demand for this component as a natural and cost-effective alternative to traditional feeds like grains and concentrates, owing to its advantages, including environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and overall farm management, is further propelling the market expansion in the country. For example, in November 2024, Dsm-firmenich’s methane-reducing feed additive, Bovaer, received authorization for usage with beef cattle and dairy in Japan. This approval aligned with the MIDORI strategy is a complete plan aimed at developing sustainable food systems. Moreover, it is introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Moreover, the rising need for numerous forage crops, including alfalfa, clover, and ryegrass, offers a positive outlook for the market in Japan. For instance, in January 2023, leading companies, such as Kubota, Toyota, and Wismettac Asian Foods, were at the forefront of shipping Lucerne (alfalfa) meals and pellets from Japan to the United States. These crops provide an efficient and sustainable alternative for livestock feed, confirming a stable supply for the dairy, beef, and poultry industries in Japan, which is also bolstering the market growth. Furthermore, the rising need for high-quality livestock derivatives in the country is offering lucrative development opportunities to industry investors. For example, between August 2023 and September 2024 the exports of Japan's forage crops increased by approximately ¥1.15 Million. Moreover, Marubeni Corporation is involved in several trade and economic ventures that ensure high-quality protein sources like forage additives, cattle derivatives, and marine goods, all basic foods in Japan.

Japan Forage Market Statistics, By Region

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include the Kanto region, Kinki region, Central/ Chubu region, Kyushu-Okinawa region, Tohoku region, Chugoku region, Hokkaido region, and Shikoku region. The widespread adoption of advanced farming techniques, precision agriculture, and innovative machinery across these regions for improving the efficiency and productivity of forage production is inflating the market in Japan.

Kanto Region Forage Market Trends:

The Kanto region of Japan is home to various novel farming techniques. Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka, is a popular area with hot springs, forests, and clear water, which makes foraging easier. Meanwhile, the Kanto plain and Kanto mountains comprise rice paddies suitable for foraging activities. This also ensures optimal nutritional value.

Kinki Region Forage Market Trends:

The Kinki region includes the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama, Nara, Hyogo, and Shiga, which are beneficial for several foraging activities, including looking for food resources like mushrooms, plants, berries, roots, etc. Farmers in this region produce numerous forage varieties, such as alfalfa and timothy grass.

Central/Chubu Region Forage Market Trends:

The Central/Chubu region is another notable place in Japan for foraging. The region’s diverse climate and topography, including mountains, forests, and coastlines, offer several areas for foraging activities. Apart from this, the widespread consumption of locally sourced produce will continue to bolster the market in Central/Chubu in the foreseeable future.

Kyushu-Okinawa Region Forage Market Trends:

Foraging in the Kyushu-Okinawa region of Japan can be a significant way to experience the local food culture and learn about traditional farming techniques and methods. There are a number of edible plants, including bitter melon, sea grapes, Japanese mugwort, and more, which are expanding the popularity of foraging.

Tohoku Region Forage Market Trends:

The practice of recreational foraging, mainly within the Tohoku region, is promoting the growth of the market in this area. The demand for forage crops is further associated with the health of the local livestock industry, which uses forage for feeding beef, dairy cattle, and other animals.

Chugoku Region Forage Market Trends:

The Chugoku region makes up the western part of the country's main island, Honshu. The gradual differences in the soil and climate conditions of the area influence diverse kinds of forage crops. Moreover, the ongoing efforts to develop new forage varieties that adapt to the weather in the region are boosting the market forward.

Hokkaido Region Forage Market Trends:

While there are innumerable foraging locations in Japan, Hokkaido is one of the positively recognized regions in Japan’s northernmost island. There are excellent foraging spots in the region, owing to its cool weather and expansive forests. Apart from this, the growing number of stalls in the farmers markets, particularly in cities like Sapporo, is augmenting the market.

Shikoku Region Forage Market Trends:

The Shikoku region is covered with misty mountains and thick forests, as well as fishing and foraging areas. Wild yuzu is generally foraged from the mountains of Shikoku, thereby extensively contributing to the region's culinary reputation. Apart from this, the natural rich environment and the elevating need for preserving authentic flavors are expanding the market.

Top Companies Leading in the Japan Forage Industry

There are numerous companies in Japan encompassing the forage market. For example, Pioneer Hi-Bred International is a subsidiary of DuPont that produces seeds for forage, canola, rice, sorghum, grain, soybean, sunflower, alfalfa, and wheat in the country. They also offer agricultural services like crop management and agronomy. Moreover, Kaneko Seeds Co., Ltd. is a leading seed enterprise in Japan that utilizes advanced technology to adapt to the latest farming environment.

Japan Forage Market Segmentation Coverage

• Based on the crop type, the market has been classified into cereals, legumes, and grasses. Forage cereals are grown to produce large quantities of high-quality feed. Forage legumes are utilized mostly as cut fodder or grazed pasture. Grass forage is generally adopted as feed for livestock and other animals.
• Based on the product type, the market has been categorized into stored forage and fresh forage. Stored forage comprises legumes, grasses, or other plants which have been preserved for feeding to the livestock. On the other hand, fresh forage is a crop of cultivated plants produced to be grazed or harvested as a feed for animals.
• Based on the animal type, the market has been divided into ruminants, swine, poultry, and others. Ruminant forage represents the edible plant parts that ruminants consume, such as grass and legumes. Swine forage is a crop or plant that pigs eat. It can be used as silage or in pastures. Additionally, poultry forage refers to a plant that is fed to poultry, such as chickens, and can be in the form of silage, hay, or pasture.

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