In Europe, organic farming has increased during the last decade. However, the market share is still relatively low. The needs of animals are better met in organic farming systems than in conventional systems. The goal of organic farming is to ensure high standards of product quality, animal health and welfare. As a result, there are high demands on management qualifications. However, there are no guarantees that the high standards will be maintained. The development of quality assurance programs has been suggested in order to ensure that standards are maintained. The criteria for sustainability can only be realized if the standards for animal health and welfare and product quality and environmental security are maintained.