Abstract

Ecological, organic or biological agriculture is a system of cultivation of an autonomous agricultural exploitation based on the optimal use of natural resources, without using synthetic chemicals, or genetically modified organisms either as fertilizer or to combat pests, thus achieving way to obtain organic food while preserving the fertility of the land and respecting the environment. All this in a sustainable, balanced and maintainable way.

The main objectives of organic agriculture are to obtain healthy food, of higher nutritional quality, without the presence of chemically synthesized substances and obtained through sustainable procedures.

This type of agriculture is a global production management system, which increases and enhances the health of agro-systems, including biological diversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity.

Organic farming favors biodiversity. This is because the cultivation of local species is promoted. In addition, it must be added, with organic farming, soil contamination by chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides is avoided. In general, it is much more respectful of the environment by avoiding the overexploitation of natural resources and minimizing the use of chemicals, fossil fuels or heavy machinery.

The global organic market continues to grow.

The global organic food market reached 106 billion euros in 2019. The United States is the leading market (44.7 billion euros), followed by Germany (12 billion euros) and France (11.3 billion euros).

In 2019, many important markets continue to show strong growth rates, such as the French market which increased by more than 13%. Danish and Swiss consumers spent more on organic food (344 and 338 euros per capita, respectively). Denmark had the highest organic market share, with 12.1 percent of its total food market.