2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Plastics are used in nearly all facets of agriculture, from the initiation and production of the crop, to delivery to consumers. The technology incorporated into agricultural plastics has changed, bringing numerous benefits to end users. The use of these plastic materials has improved productivity and efficiency for growers, reduced postharvest loss for retailers, and improved shelf life for consumers. Though agricultural plastics are important to production and consumption of horticultural crops, their production relies mostly on non-renewable resources, and they must be stewarded properly after use to avoid environmental contamination. This workshop will describe recent advances in agricultural plastic use and recycling efforts.