Which best defines the term "sustainable agriculture"?

The definition of "sustainable agriculture" centers on the concept of balancing agricultural production with the health of the environment. This approach emphasizes practices that not only aim to produce food but do so in a way that preserves resources, maintains biodiversity, and ensures that future generations can continue to have a healthy ecosystem and access to food.

Sustainable agriculture advocates for methods that minimize negative environmental impacts, such as soil degradation, water depletion, and habitat loss, while maximizing social and economic benefits for communities involved in food production. This holistic view promotes agricultural practices that are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable, thus embodying the essence of sustainability.

The other choices present alternatives that do not align with the principles of sustainability. Maximizing yield at any environmental cost, for instance, is contrary to sustainable practices as it overlooks the importance of environmental health. The use of genetically modified organisms and the limitation of organic materials can be components of agricultural strategies, but they do not inherently embody the broader definition and goals of sustainable agriculture.