Which element is crucial for sustainable farming?

Sustainable farming relies on the integration and balance of various systems to ensure long-term agricultural productivity while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society. Protecting both economic and ecological systems is essential because it involves managing natural resources responsibly, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the health of ecosystems, all of which contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices.

By considering both economic viability and ecological integrity, sustainable farming seeks to create a resilient agricultural system that can adapt to changing conditions and maintain productivity for future generations. This approach also promotes social responsibility, ensuring that farming practices do not exploit workers or harm local communities.

Other options suggest strategies that are not aligned with the principles of sustainable farming: maximizing chemical use can lead to environmental degradation, neglecting animal welfare compromises ethical standards and can affect biodiversity, and focusing solely on profit may prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to negative consequences for both the environment and society.