Organics

In 2014, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) included BDMs in the list of allowed synthetic substances. The organic standard (7 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 205.601) outlines these criteria, that BDMs must meet to be approved for use in certified organic systems. Currently, no commercially available plastic BDM meets all the criteria outlined in the organic standard regulation. Information provided on this webpage describe the criteria and highlight additional considerations regarding BDM use in organic systems. Biodegradable paper mulches are allowed, but some products may not meet the organic standard requirements. It is important to always check with your organic certifier before adding a new product into your organic production system, to ensure that it is approved.

Resources

Publications

Presentations

• BDM for organic production (pptx)