Many of the benefits of organic agriculture depend on establishing an ecological balance among soil, plants and animals, not just on substituting organic pesticides and fertilizers for synthetic ones. This fundamental difference is particularly important for farmers who have little experience in organic agriculture. Inadequate advice jeopardizes not just the farmers’ livelihoods, but also the quality and even the safety of the products. Therefore, when possible, this review will relate each aspect of food utilization to the relevant practices such as soil fertility management or animal feeding strategies. Since most of the methods used in organic agriculture are not exclusive to this system, this can support enhancement of benefits and prevention of risks both within and outside organic agriculture. 

The present report covers organic agriculture’s effect on food safety, food quality and consumer health and the impact of production factors (fertilizers and pesticides) and food composition. It does not cover health issues, such as under-nutrition