FAO Briefing on Agri-Plastic Management: Science and Policy for Sustainable Agrifood Systems

In a collaborative effort to spotlight the need for agri-plastic management in agrifood systems and the related challenges and opportunities, the FAO Liaison Offices in Brussels, Geneva and New York, together with the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, hosted a joint briefing dedicated to the topic.

The briefing, titled Scientific evidence and policy implications on agri-plastic management for agrifood systems and moderated by the Director of FAO's Liaison Office with the UN in New York, Angélica Jácome, gathered Members, experts, policymakers, academia, and members of civil society to present key findings from FAO's latest knowledge products and underline the key role that scientific evidence can play in supporting international and national policy actions. The briefing also gave examples of practical solutions being implemented on the ground.

In his opening statement, the Director of FAO's Liaison Office with the UN in Geneva, Dominique Burgeon, noted that the briefing was "an important step towards informing delegates, ensuring that sector-specific realities are reflected in global solutions and that agrifood systems stakeholders are positioned as crucial actors in shaping effective global responses to end plastic pollution". Following his intervention, experts presented key findings from the latest FAO publications.

Among the reports highlighted is a newly released report on microplastic pollution in soils. These findings provided participants with the most recent scientific evidence on the impacts of plastics in soil and agrifood systems, as well as their implications for plant, animal, and human health. It also highlighted the complex nature of agri-plastics' use in agriculture, making the point that while plastic products bring efficiency gains in food production, this can come at the cost of increasing environmental risks.

Practical examples of reducing agri-plastic waste were given by the Government of Japan, as well as pilot projects in Ghana and other countries, showcasing innovative approaches to recycling, substitution, and improved waste management tailored to local agricultural contexts.

Following an engaging discussion, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium, Raschad Al-Khafaji emphasized that "agriculture must not only be part of global and local conversations on plastic pollution, but it must play a large role in shaping effective and inclusive responses" in his closing statement. The session concluded with Jácome highlighting that "FAO remains committed to working with Members and partners to find solutions to agri-plastic management. This briefing has made it abundantly clear that we need science, policy, practice and collaboration to eliminate plastic pollution from our agrifood systems."

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