Abstract: The history of organic farming in the world is reviewed in this paper. The development of organic farming in the world had gone through three stages, e.g. emergence, expansion and growth. The contributors and their thoughts during the different development stages of organic farming were briefly introduced. The development status of organic farming in the world is reviewed by land area under organic management, land area under organic management in percent of total agricultural area and world markets for organic products. The main existing problems for the further development of the organic farming in the world are discussed. The development status, problems and strategies of organic farming in China are briefly introduced.

Key words: Organic farming, Organic product, Development status, Review of history