According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations certified organic products are those which have been produced, stored, processed, handled and marketed in accordance with specific technical stipulations. An organic or biological label indicates that the product has been certified against specific organic standards. The label carries the name of the certification body as well as the standards with which it complies. Note that the label applies to the type of standards complied with during the production process, and ensures that the product has been produced and processed in an ecologically sound manner.

Organic agriculture relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs and takes into account both environmental and social impacts which it may have. Standards vary worldwide; but in general attempt to promote cycling of resources, ecological balance and biodiversity. This is achieve by eliminating the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, veterinary drugs, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and irradiation. Instead, site-specific management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and prevent pest and diseases are implemented.

Organic agriculture leads to many environmental benefits but the two main advantages are linked to soil and water.  Organic farming practices result in improved soil quality due to the use of organic fertilisers, crop rotation, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations and cover crops.

In addition, as use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers is prohibited, the core problem of groundwater pollution is avoided. Only organic fertilisers such as compost, animal manure and green manure are used which aid in enhancing soil structure. The use of GMOs (Genetically modified organisms) within organic systems is also not permitted during any stage of production, processing or handling.