Plastic Mulch (Crops)

2025 Sunset Review

This survey is for PLASTIC MULCH and covers §205.601(b)(2)(ii) - weed barrier in crop production

Instructions: Please answer the questions based on your use only of the substance listed above. This survey is administered by the Organic Trade Association to assess the necessity/essentiality of substances used in organic production that are undergoing NOSB Sunset Review. The information collected will be submitted to NOSB anonymously via the Organic Trade Association’s public comments. Please do not include any confidential businesses information. For more information visit OTA.com/NOSB.

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* 1. Is your operation certified organic?

Yes

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* 2. Is this substance included in your organic system plan?

Yes

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* 3. Which types of organic products do you produce/raise using this substance?

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* 4. What function does this substance provide and why is it necessary?

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* 5. With what frequency does your operation use this substance? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)

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* 6. Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative? (e.g., other substances that are on the National List and/or other natural substances)

Yes

If yes, please describe which substances you’ve tried and whether it was effective to fulfill the required function:

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* 7. Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for this substance? (e.g., mechanical or physical practices)

Yes

If so, please describe the efficacy of the alternative management practices:

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* 8. How would your organic production be impacted if this substance was no longer allowed? (describe the agronomic, environmental or human health effects, product quality, economic effects)

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* 9. On a scale from 1 to 5 stars, rate the overall necessity of this substance for your organic operation:

1-Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)

3-Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)

5-Critical (would leave organic without it)

1-Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)

3-Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)

5-Critical (would leave organic without it)

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* 10. You are strongly encouraged to submit your own comments to NOSB. See OTA.com/NOSB for instructions. OTA members can contact OTA's Regulatory Team for assistance or guidance in submitting comments to NOSB.

Name

Company

Email Address

Phone Number

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* 11. Please describe in detail how this listing for plastic mulches is being applied in conjunction with the § 205.206(c)(6) requirement for removal [from the field at the end of the growing or harvest season], and specifically, how the provision being applied in all areas of organic cropping systems? (this question is from the NOSB Spring 2023 Packet)