Organic Farming and Sustainable Rural Development

Rural development and agriculture are sustainable when they are ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, culturally appropriate, humane and based on a scientific approach. Organic farming is a production system that excludes the use of synthetic chemical substances which can alter the environment and negatively influence the healthiness of products obtained; therefore, it is a method of agriculture production which is particularly careful to the possible negative effects on the human health and environment. Growth of organic sector has largely been led by demand from consumers in high-income countries who favor organic produce for a variety of reasons, including perceived benefits to health and the environment, perceived improvement in food quality and taste, accessibility to fresh produce and helping small-scale local producers, communities and markets. A proper understanding of the effects, potential and constraints of organic farming is necessary for making it a basis for sustainable rural development, the design of support strategies for farmers and further research.