In recent years, the demand and production of organic products across the European Union has grown considerably, as a result of a shift in consumer preferences for safe food of high nutritional value, free from pesticide residues, antibiotics and chemicals, produced in ways that respect the environment, animals and humans.

The rise of industrialization in the 20th century has dramatically changed agricultural practices in order to increase production. Under this new scheme, the irresponsible use of chemical fertilizers that placed quantity over quality had detrimental effects on consumer health and the environment. Therefore, consumers had to change their nutritional habits once again and soon started to demand healthier and safer products.

All organic products are produced under strict regulations and systematic controls according to EU and national legislation. In Greece, the Directorate for Organic Agriculture of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food is responsible for the supervision of the Control and Certification Scheme that has been established, while AGROCERT, the Certification and Supervision Agency for Agricultural Products, is responsible for inspections.

According to EU Regulation (EC) 834/2007, the following product categories are eligible for organic production certification:

• Primary agricultural products (fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs, meat, etc.)
• Processed agricultural products used for food (olive oil, nuts, cheese, etc.)
• Animal feedingstuffs (hay, cereal, etc.)
• Plant propagating material and seeds for cultivation

Organic Agriculture and Organic Livestock Farming aim at the production of safe products, both for the consumer and the producer, which are characterized by high nutritional value, respect the environment and do not contain genetically modified organisms or plants.