What's Happening?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification program is facing challenges regarding its standards for biodegradable mulch films used in organic farming. Since 2014, the USDA has technically allowed biodegradable mulch films,
but in the past twelve years, no manufacturer has fully met the USDA's requirements. A 2023 memo from the head of the National Organic Program stated that no known biodegradable mulch film currently meets the regulatory listing. The core issue lies in two criteria: the material must be 100-percent biobased (sourced from living things) and demonstrate 90-percent biodegradation in soil within two years, as measured in a laboratory test. This has led to a situation where organic farmers are limited to using conventional petroleum-based plastic mulch, which is labor-intensive to remove and difficult to recycle, or forgo organic certification if they choose to use commercially available biodegradable films that do not meet the USDA's strict standards. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will review these rules again in 2027.
Why It's Important?
The current USDA organic standards for biodegradable mulch films have significant implications for U.S. organic agriculture and environmental sustainability. The inability of commercially available biodegradable mulches to meet the USDA's dual requirements forces organic farmers to rely on traditional plastic mulch. This conventional plastic mulch contributes to landfill waste, as 30 to 80 percent of removed plastic cannot be recycled due and often ends up being burned, despite being illegal. This situation creates a dilemma for organic farmers who aim to minimize environmental impact but are constrained by regulations that do not align with current product capabilities. The debate also highlights a broader issue in defining 'biodegradable,' as a material can disintegrate into smaller plastic pieces without fully mineralizing, raising concerns about microplastic contamination in organic soils. The lack of a viable biodegradable mulch option under current standards means that millions of acres of farmland continue to generate substantial plastic waste annually.
What's Next?
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is scheduled to review the rules concerning biodegradable biobased mulch film again in 2027. This review will involve re-evaluating the percentage of biobased materials required and the criteria for judging biodegradability. Stakeholders, including proponents of biodegradable mulch and those advocating for revised standards to address microplastics, are expected to provide comments. Experts like Steve Ela, a fourth-generation fruit grower and former NOSB member, emphasize the need for more field studies to understand the long-term effects of these films. The outcome of this review will determine whether new biodegradable mulch films can be approved for use in certified organic farming, potentially offering farmers more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch. Until then, many farmers, like those at the San Antonio Food Bank, may continue to conduct their own trials with commercially available biodegradable films that do not yet meet organic standards.
Beyond the Headlines
The ongoing debate over biodegradable mulch films in organic farming touches upon deeper ethical and scientific questions regarding environmental stewardship and the practicalities of sustainable agriculture. The USDA's stringent '100-percent biobased' requirement, while well-intentioned, is seen by many experts as less critical for soil health than actual biodegradability. This highlights a disconnect between regulatory ideals and the scientific understanding of material breakdown, where a petroleum-derived material can biodegrade more effectively than a biobased one. The concern about the 'last 10 percent' of degradation and the potential for microplastic formation underscores the complexity of defining and verifying true biodegradability. This situation also reveals a tension between maintaining strict organic integrity and providing farmers with practical, environmentally sound tools. The differing approaches in Europe, which prioritize tested biodegradability over biobased origin, suggest alternative regulatory frameworks that could be considered to balance environmental protection with agricultural needs.
