Agroecology has been defined as the ecology of agrosystems; the main objective is an in-depth study of elements and key processes that control the functioning of the agroecosystem, as well as permit the establishment of a scientific base to guide efficient management in harmony with the environment. In summary, agroecology provides useful tools for a global analysis of sustainability. Organic farming is, like integrated agriculture, conservation agriculture and permaculture, the praxis that leads towards more sustainable agroecosystems. In addition, organic farming, the best documented of these more harmonic agricultural strategies, is the most sustainable agronomic model, favouring rural development, contributing to environmental protection, increasing biodiversity and stability of agroecosystems and increasing public health thanks to better quality produce.

Organic farming was initially developed by the private sector, particularly through farmers associations and private research institutes. In the last 15 – 20 years, an increasing number of universities in developed countries have launched organic farming institutes or incorporated organic farming in their research programmes. Currently, organic farming still only constitutes a small part of conventional agricultural research: 0.1% in the United States, about 1.1% in Australia and 2% in Europe.

Organic food demand has increased exponentially over the last 5 years and is predicted to continue growing. There are currently 16,521 Spanish organic farmers operating on 485,140 hectares of land, as well as 1,204 manufacturers, with commercialized production valuing approximately 172.9 millions of euros. In Catalonia there is little more than 50,000 hectares registered under 623 farmers and 262 manufacturers. These data reveal the challenge for the sector in almost all areas, particularly production, the food chain and the adaptation of control systems, not to mention social aspects and the future orientation of north – south relationships. In all areas, there is an urgent need to increase knowledge in order to promote the growth of the organic sector in the local and global food market, as well as ensure the continued stability of the food production system.

Several organisms, such as the International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM), have highlighted the need for research to help the organic sector’s progress. Current research is not sufficient for the industry’s demands and need to be raised. Research on organic farming in Catalonia is scarce. However, several groups are working on the development of sustainable livestock and agronomics systems that could make a valuable contribution to the ecological management of agroecosystems. Catalonia, while it hosts the greatest concentration of manufactures and marketing in Spain, needs to restructure research and training in this field, as other countries have already done. The research groups in this Network specialise in different topics related to the sustainable management of agroecosystems. Together, they form an interdisciplinary team that, in the future, will collaborate to develop research projects of both national and international scales.