Objectives
Article 4
Organic production shall pursue the following general objectives: (a) contributing to protection of the environment and the climate; (b) maintaining the long-term fertility of soils; (c) contributing to a high level of biodiversity; (d) substantially contributing to a non-toxic environment; (e) contributing to high animal welfare standards and, in particular, to meeting the species-specific behavioural needs of animals; (f) encouraging short distribution channels and local production in the various areas of the Union; (g) encouraging the preservation of rare and native breeds in danger of extinction; (h) contributing to the development of the supply of plant genetic material adapted to the specific needs and objectives of organic agriculture; (i) contributing to a high level of biodiversity, in particular by using diverse plant genetic material, such as organic heterogeneous material and organic varieties suitable for organic production; (j) fostering the development of organic plant breeding activities in order to contribute to favourable economic perspectives of the organic sector.