On March 20, 2025, the Journée Technique CPA-INRAE brought together researchers, industry representatives, and stakeholders to discuss the impact of plastics in agriculture and the environment. Activities included workshops, round tables, and networking sessions. Key issues addressed included soil contamination by microplastics, sustainable plastic management, and biodegradable solutions for the agricultural sector.
PAPILLONS consortium members actively contributed to the discussions:
– Luc Vernet (Farm Europe) moderated Roundtable n°1 on the Sampling and analysis of microplastics highlighting the importance of establishing a science-based framework for sampling protocols to monitor microplastics in soils at the European level, in the context of the upcoming Soil Monitoring Directive. Rachel Hurley (NIVA) presented PAPILLONS’ role in bridging knowledge gaps through coordinated spatial sampling and the development of a harmonized methodology.
– In Roundtable n°2 on the Impact of microplastics and mulch losses in soils, Luca Nizzetto (NIVA) emphasized that microplastic pollution is a present threat, not just a future risk, with significant implications for soil and human health, plant growth, and ecosystem balance.
– Roundtable n°3 Biodegradable mulch films: what future? explored the fate of biodegradable mulches. Luca Nizzetto underscored the need for a science-based regulatory framework on the management of biodegradable agricultural plastics and a thorough ecotoxicological risk assessment to consider long-term risks for soil health.
