To improve the economic efficiency of agricultural systems through the use of plastics in various aspects of production, manufacturing, and distribution within the food and fiber system, including but not limited to field crop production, horticultural food crop production, animal production, forestry, aquaculture, ornamental crop production, floriculture, and packaging of food products. ASP also exists to promote the use of agricultural systems in which plastic is used.
The membership of ASP represents a great diversity of interests and uses of agricultural plastics, including greenhouse coverings and thermal barriers, horticultural containers, postharvest film wraps, plastic mulches, irrigation systems, netting, tunnels, and spun-bonded row covers. Members include those from the academic community in research, teaching, and extension appointments; those in the commercial industry who manufacture, distribute, market, and provide a wide range of related products and services to the grower community; and the growers who utilize this technology in their production systems. While horticulture is the primary discipline represented among members, those in agronomy, chemistry, physics, economics, pathology, engineering, entomology, and meteorology also contribute to and benefit from the activities of the organization. The common bond is an interest in agricultural plastics technology, a dedication to excellence in agricultural plastics research, and the goal of bringing the results of this research to the growers of the world.
During ASP's almost 40 years of existence, including 30 years as the National Agricultural Plastics Association, there have been 30 National Agricultural Plastics Congresses convened. The purpose of these Congresses, held about every year and a half, is to provide a forum to discuss and promote the use of plastics in agricultural production systems. The first Congress was held at the University of Kentucky in 1960 and included twelve papers in a 30-page Proceedings.ASP publishes and distributes the Proceedings of each Congress to attendees and to others who may want to purchase this compilation of latest research and practical application information. The organization also publishes a newsletter called the "Agri-Plastics Report."