ASHS 2025 Conference

Soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are an alternative to non-biodegradable plastic mulch films. BDMs reduce agricultural plastic waste generation while maintaining many of the horticultural benefits of traditional mulch film. Yet, many farmers are reluctant to adopt BDMs. Previous research suggests that this hesitancy stems, in part, from farmers’ belief that consumers may be concerned about the unsightly plastic fragments left behind as BDMs biodegrade. Some farmers fear these remnants could be viewed by consumers as indicative of “bad farming” practices. However, consumers’ actual perceptions have not been evaluated. The objective of this research was to explore consumers’ perceptions of BDM fragments in farm fields. A rapid market assessment (RMA) paired with exploratory interviews were conducted with consumers at a farmer’s market in Northwest Washington State in Winter 2024. Of the 50 people who completed the farmers’ market RMA, 51% and 14% disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively, that growing produce is associated with plastic use. Moreover, approximately 80% of the respondents indicated they did not think plastic use was essential to modern agriculture. Most respondents agreed (51%) or strongly agreed (12%) that farm visual cleanliness is important and influences their willingness to support a farm with their business. All respondents (100%) did not like seeing plastic waste on farms. Nearly all (96%) expressed a preference for biodegradable alternatives to non-biodegradable agricultural plastics, which is noteworthy given that 66% of consumers had prior experience or knowledge of biodegradable plastics. These findings, along with the exploratory interview results, suggest that consumers are more accepting of soil-biodegradable plastic scraps in farm fields, especially when they are aware the material is biodegradable and used as an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable plastics.