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Organic Farming Has A Plastics Problem Too

June 7, 2019: 12:00 AM EST
Organic farming, like traditional farming, has hit an obstacle caused by the move to limit single-use plastic, which is used as mulch to suppress weeds, improve irrigation and water conservation, and support plant growth. Plastic film to cover acres of arable land represents miles of film, which is disposed of in landfills after one use. There are as yet no feasible alternatives. Biodegradable plastic, for example, is disallowed under existing organic rules in the US, and natural mulches are expensive and labor-intensive. Manufacturers of biodegradable options, including BASF, have been calling on the USDA's National Organic Program to change the rules, but the long-term impact has yet to be identified. [Image Credit: © Siggy Nowak from Pixabay.com]
"Organic Farming Has A Plastic Problem. One Solution Is Controversial", NPR, June 07, 2019, © NPR
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