Reducing plastics in the organic supply chain is the focus of a May 9-10 event in Washington, D.C.

The conference, Organic Confluences: Reducing Plastics Along the Entire Organic Supply Chain, will convene scientists, industry experts and organic stakeholders from across the supply chain to strategize on how to break the plastic cycle and reduce plastic use from the farm to the table, according to a news release. The agenda for the event is available here.

The Organic Centers conference will address the challenges of plastic from the perspective of waste, climate change, and environmental and human health, according to the release.

Farmers will be able to share their needs, priorities and experiences with plastic and alternatives; researchers and plastic-alternative innovators can offer potential solutions; and policy experts can guide the discussion in the context of current National Organic Program (NOP) requirements and future NOP direction, the release said.

The Organic Confluences sessions are part of OTAs 2023 Organic Week in Washington, D.C.

The organic sectors use of plastics is a key concern for everyone involved in the organic food system from the organic farmer to the organic retailer, Dr. Amber Sciligo, director of science programs for The Organic Center, said in the release. The use of synthetics such as plastics is at odds with traditional organic values, but plastic is used for critical tools that serve important functions. For instance, farmers can replace herbicide and pesticide sprays, and reduce water consumption with tools like plastic mulch and drip tape. Available alternatives to plastic that also meet the National Organic Program's standards just arent there yet."

Sciligo continued: "Our conference is gathering individuals from every aspect of organic because finding a solution to this critical issue requires input and collaboration across the sector. This isnt just organics problem to solve, but we can be leaders on the path to change. Our overall objective is to expand communication and collaboration across the diverse organic sector with policymakers and researchers at the table so that the industry can reimagine plastic use in organic production.

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