The main goal - a low environmental impact - in essence aims to minimize the carbon dioxide emissions that come about as a result of food production. Animal products such as beef contribute a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions. The animals that the product comes from (cows) releases methane, which is harmful to the environment. In general, sustainable food aims to prevent the waste and damage of natural resources. The ideal outcome of sustainable farming is where all negative impacts are considered and minimised while producing food in the most economically profitable method possible.

The secondary goal - upholding animal welfare - considers the ethical aspect of sustainable farming. Specifically, it aims to protect the animals' health and wellbeing. This can be achieved through various measures such as allowing animals to roam freely instead of confining them in cages. Although the care provided towards animals may not directly impact food production, sustainable farming considers the ethical aspects of animal grazing. The ultimate outcome of sustainable farming in its ethical sense would be to eliminate all sources of pain that animals are subject to during the process of food production.

The tertiary goal - protection of public health - considers the health of humans (consumers of food). Whilst sustainable food aims to achieve a multitude of goals, it is essential that the food is safe and healthy for consumers. In doing so, sustainable farmers minimize the usage of harmful chemicals and pesticides that may be detrimental to our health.

Sustainable farming encompasses a myriad of goals, and I have discussed the ones I believe to be the primary in the process. We as individuals who consume food can take steps to live a more sustainable life. The main step is the decrease our consumption of animal based products (fish, meat, and dairy). Currently the animal industry constitutes one of the largest carbon footprints each year. Although the idealistic outcome would be a vegan lifestyle, simply decreasing the consumption of animal based products a little bit can be helpful to sustainable farming practices. Try to consider eating vegetables and fruits over animal products in your next meal!