(Orlando, Florida, February 8, 2023)–RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® held its first Industry Issues Update of the year at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GSCAA) Conference and Trade Show to talk about grassroots engagement on pesticide and fertilizer issues with GCSAA members from across the country.
Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm Vice President of Turf and Ornamental Sales and RISE Governing Board Treasurer, welcomed superintendent guests and RISE members to the breakfast event.
“In our environment of limited attention spans and many channels providing factual and erroneous information about our products and how they’re used, it’s essential that we show up to tell our story,” Pinkerton said. “It’s important to use facts to make a connection with our audience and let the passion for what we do come through.”
Continuing the call to action, RISE President Megan J. Provost urged attendees to amplify their voices through grassroots advocacy to spread awareness about the benefits of pesticides and the rigorous regulatory framework that supports their availability and use.
“You’re the most credible source of information on these products,” said Provost. “Your local and state policymakers need to hear from you about your golf course and its maintenance practices before there is a policy issue.”
Provost and Pinkerton were joined by Golf Course Superintendents Bob Searle, Abenakee Club, Biddeford, Maine, and Eric David, Naval Academy Golf Club, Annapolis, Maryland, who shared their firsthand advocacy successes and experiences in their states.
Provost concluded, “Grassroots advocacy is a critical, proven tool that does work. It’s important to keep using this tool to share the facts about what you do and the resources you need.”
About RISE
RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® is the national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders in the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry. Visit the RISE website at www.pestfacts.org for more information. Follow RISE on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/RISEPestFacts or on Twitter at @PestFacts.