The organic agriculture is a production system which has as its objectives the sustainable use of non-renewable resources, the respect for the environment and the preservation of the natural soil fertility, using appropriate agricultural techniques to provide the consumer with high quality and healthy products obtained respecting the environment, the landscape and the animal welfare;  therefore high standards of quality and food safety are guaranteed with a range of products obtained in harmony with the characteristics of the territory and the seasonal cycles.

Organic agriculture is regulated on an European level by Reg. CE 834/2007, replacing Reg. CE 2092/1991, later supplemented by Reg. CE 889/2008, and on National level by D.M. 18354/2009.

The main principles are:

• the prohibition of the use of synthetic chemicals (for example fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides of synthetic origin);
• the prohibition of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products produced (for example modified corn starch, soya lecithin) or obtained from GMOs (for example enzymes);
• the requirement to use crop rotations to favor the efficient use of resources;
• the fertilization of soils using natural products (manure or other organic substances, preferably produced on the farm);
• the cultivation of plants species and varieties suited to the land and the local climate and more resistant to adversity and pests;
• the adoption of appropriate agronomic measures (corrected times of crop rotation, protection of the natural soil fertility and quality) and good management practices to protect the natural balance, creating favorable conditions for the different crops;
• the use of rearing techniques respectful of the animal welfare, differentiated according to the needs of different species and breeds of livestock (loose or outdoor housing, feeding adapted to the nutritional requirements giving preference to the use of grass and biological forage, high level of physical exercise, space and adequate ventilation…);
• the prevention of disease by strengthening the animals’ immune system favored by physical exercise, adequate food, use, when necessary, of homeopathic cures;
• the reduction and, as far as possible, the elimination of all forms of pollution charged to the different environmental compartments (soil and subsoil, water resources, air, etc.);
• the maintaining a high level of biodiversity;
• the protection of the agricultural landscape (agroecosystem) and land resources.