SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF INTRODUCING BIODEGRADABLE TWINE IN THE HOP FIELDS.

This article presents the results of survey, implemented within the LIFE BioTHOP project. It was carried out in summer 2022, 3 years after the project start, as an online survey. A total of 509 respondents (N=509) participated; 162 responses from outside of Slovenia and 347 from Slovenia. Questions on agriculture, attitudes and opinions on the introduction of BioTHOP biodegradable products in agriculture, sustainable development and circular economy with a focus on project results were included. The highest percentage of the respondents were hop growers (20%), followed by mechanical engineers (16%), other professions (15%), 13% amateur gardening, specialists in agriculture (11%), nature lovers (11%), and winemakers (10%). 61% were well acquainted with the concept of circular economy. 83% agree that agriculture has a big impact on the cultural landscape. 74% think that by 2035 the use of biodegradable plastics will increase. 73% considered the reduction of conventional plastics in the agriculture as very important. 76% were interested in biodegradable products as a more sustainable alternative. 56% consider that we could act better with the waste from agricultural production and 31% that we must act better. 50% believe that the waste material should be returned to the seller and the seller should arrange its proper treatment, while 40% think each waste producer must take care of it themselves. 43% of hop-growers will start composting on their farms, now when the guidelines are available, 35% of them think about it, while 9% of them already do it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]