The “disastrous” way in which plastic is used in farming across the world is threatening food safety and potentially human health, according to a report from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. The report recognises the benefits of plastic in producing and protecting food, from irrigation and silage bags to fishing gear and tree guards. It also warned of a growing demand for agricultural plastics. “We are currently adding large amounts of these unnatural materials into agricultural soils without understanding their long-term effects,” he said. This means adopting farming practices that avoid plastic use, substituting plastic products with natural or biodegradable alternatives, promoting reusable plastic products and improving plastic waste management.

Source: The Guardian December 08, 2021 11:05 UTC