Resumo. The preservation of ecosystems is a concern of those who develop organic agriculture. Using this model of exploitation is possible to preserve ecosystems and, gradually, recovering some areas that may eventually be degraded by ongoing exploration through the conventional model of agriculture. Organic agriculture is beginning to establish production systems based on a set of procedures involving the plant, soil and climatic conditions. And the goal of this type of agriculture is to produce health food and its characteristics and flavor, to meet consumer expectations. Unlike conventional agriculture, which has a big concern about the financial return, organic agriculture is concerned about the environment and human health. The theoretical concept that would serve as a base for organic agriculture was designed by Sir Albert Howard, in the early twentieth century. In less than a century, organic agriculture has expanded around the world, changing food consumption, how to farm the land, and, above all, showing that it is possible to produce, but without harming the environment. Underpinned by the principles of sustainability, it also has a great relationship with the health and quality of life of the human being, and therefore an alternative to sustainable development.