FAQ

Organic animal husbandry focuses on the way of life and welfare of all animals. By law, animals in organic farming have permanent access to pastures, while special attention is paid to housing conditions and husbandry practices.

Farm animals are fed with organic feed that meets their nutritional requirements at the various stages of development. All young mammals receive natural, preferably maternal, milk.

Hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified or mutated foods are not administered. Generally, animals’ health relies on disease prevention planning. The use of substances as growth promoters in animal feed is also banned.

The use of hormones for growth or reproduction is not allowed.
The animals move freely, are not isolated or suffering from malpractices, and transport times from the farm to the slaughterhouse are minimized.

Organic farming oversees all stages of animals’ development, protecting them from disease, discomfort and stress, as strict rules govern the hygienic conditions of the animals.

In the EU, organic plant or animal products are regulated according to strict rules. Organic certified products must be produced using approved practices.

According to the regulations of the European Legislation, the products of organic agriculture and animal husbandry must bear labeling, which refers to their organic production method. The label provides information about the company that produces and is responsible for the packaging and marketing of the products. A certification mark, the name of the responsible certification body and the indication “product of organic agriculture” are also shown on the label.

There are various factors that determine a person’s state of health. A healthy balanced diet is undoubtedly essential for children’s physical and mental development as well as for their future well-being. Scientific evidence shows that certain health problems are directly related to the diet of the person at certain critical age stages of his life.

A major study carried out in 33 European universities, lasting 4 years and funded by the European Commission, concluded that organic food is more nutritious than conventional food, with higher levels of antioxidants and other health-protective ingredients.

More specifically, meat from organically raised animals has reduced intramuscular fat content, more amino acids, higher levels of polyunsaturated and lower monounsaturated fats.

Cattle raised only on organic feed eat much larger amounts of grass and hay. The animals’ metabolism is positively affected and, by extension, the nutritional value of their milk and meat.

In addition, organic products are healthier as they lack all harmful substances (pesticides, hormones, etc.) that are commonly used in conventional crops to increase production.

Preference for organic products is considered particularly important for newborns, infants and children, as they need a safe and nutritious diet for a proper development.

Pregnant women, athletes and the elderly, all sensitive population groups with special nutritional needs, should prioritize organic products.

Even if organic food is not consumed by a large part of the world’s population, global demand is nevertheless rising at a high rate. In Europe only, organic produce market grew by 10% between 2013 and 2015 and reached €7 billion in turnover in 2016.
Recent studies have shown that organic products are more nutritious and shield our body against diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Initially organic products might have been just another trend, but in recent years, with food scandals becoming more and more common, consumers realize the value of organic food and ask more questions about food security and general health.

Consumption of organic products (from organic farming and breeding) may create further surplus value. Organic practices do not simply boost and protect our health, but they also:

• protect the environment and respect nature
• do not burden the groundwater table and have minimal environmental footprint
• increase soil fertility and biological activity
• respect farm animals
• promote the health of farmers and producers (minimum exposure to farm chemicals)
• improve the competitiveness of the products of the Greek rural areas
• emphasize sustainable development, ecosystem balance and respect for the land that hosts us