Organic agriculture in Serbia

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Organic agriculture, or at least its basic principles, was introduced, as an idea, in the world in the beginning of the 20th century and has been present since. Today's principles of organic agriculture were established in 1972 by founding the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFAOM). The aim of this study was to analyse concept, idea and basic principles of organic agriculture as to give an answer why does it provide chances for the development of agriculture in the world and in our country? In Serbia, organic agriculture has been present for almost 30 years, but it is still seeking its place. It could be said, it is on the very begging in relation to the rest of the world. The reason for this is the specific production technology that increases the price of production inputs, the economic situation in the country, insufficient training of farmers and their inadequate knowledge about importance and benefits of organic agriculture. Great natural potential and unpolluted natural resources are Serbia's potentials for the development of this branch of agriculture. The largest areas with organic farms are in Vojvodina, but under developed rural areas and small farms should also seek their chances in such cultivation. Today, in the world, areas with organic agriculture amount to 0.9% of the total agricultural area. The highest average percentage of these areas is in Europe (6.2%). As many as eight countries have an average over 10%, while there are only 0.44% of such areas in Serbia. Organic agriculture is not just a production method, but also a new way of living of modern man. It is a return to old values and preservation of new ones. Export of such products is the only chance for our farmers, due to the economic situation, but it is necessary to develop the network of extension services that will spread the knowledge and create prerequisites that will provide better access to both the production and the products to an average farmer in our country.