Courtesy of RISE
RISE, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, held its first Industry Issues Update of the year at the GSCAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando to talk about grassroots engagement on pesticide and fertilizer issues with GCSAA members from across the country.
Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm turf and ornamental sales vice president 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.”
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,” Provost said. “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 of Abenakee Club in Biddeford, Maine, and Eric David of Naval Academy Golf Club in Annapolis, Maryland, who shared their firsthand advocacy successes and experiences in their states.
“Grassroots advocacy is a critical, proven tool that does work,” Provost said. “It’s important to keep using this tool to share the facts about what you do and the resources you need.”