Organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high animal welfare standards, and a production method in line with the preference of certain consumer for products using a natural substances and processes. In recent years the organic market in the EU, driven by steadily increasing demand, has developed significantly (19.7 billion euro with a 9% growth rate in 2011). In parallel, during the last decade, the number of organic producers as well as the surface under organic production have grown at a fast pace. Each year, 500.000 hectares of agricultural land convert to organic in the Union. In the period 2000-2012, the total organic area  has increased by 6.7% yearly on average, to reach an estimated 9.6 million ha, which is 5.4% of the total utilized agricultural area in the EU. Organic aquaculture production is also growing fast, following the introduction of EU rules in 2009. The sector encompasses producers in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors, as well their suppliers, food manufacturers and distributors who all comply with strict rules.