RISE Industry Issues Breakfast speakers in San Diego included from left RISE Governing Board Chair Neil Cleveland, Certified Golf Course Superintendent Anthony Williams, RISE President Megan Provost and Golf Course Superintendent Steven Spatafore.
RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® held its first Industry Issues Update of the year at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, convening more than 130 industry leaders and GCSAA members nationwide for discussions on the evolving regulatory landscape, industry stewardship, and the importance of unified advocacy.
RISE President Megan Provost provided an update on the new administration, the new Congress, and new state legislatures across the country, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing sound policy.
“Efficiency comes from a fully funded, fully resourced Environmental Protection Agency,” Provost stated. “We will continue to advocate for the Office of Pesticide Programs to ensure science-based decision-making remains at the forefront.”
Provost also emphasized the critical role industry professionals play in shaping public perception of pesticide use. “You are the most credible source of information. You make our industry human,” she said. “It’s up to us to explain the benefits of responsible pesticide use and how our industry applies science-based risk assessments to deliver effective environmental solutions.”
Golf Course Superintendent and long-time GCSAA advocate Steven Spatafore reinforced Provost’s call to action and the industry’s commitment to responsible product use, explaining how professionals apply best management practices and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to maximize benefits and limit risks.
“We use a targeted approach that prioritizes safety for applicators, staff, and the communities we serve,” he said. He also pointed to broader environmental efforts such as energy-efficient operations, water conservation, and habitat management. “We want to make golf an accessible sport for everyone while maintaining courses that support healthy landscapes and wildlife.”
Anthony Williams, CGCS, also stressed the importance of advocacy, urging attendees to show up and engage. “There are no perfect solutions—but our industry continues to innovate and improve. Our role is to be part of that conversation and bring our expertise to the table. Establish yourself as a credible source and amplify one message for our industry.”
As the year begins, RISE remains committed to science-driven policy, advancing risk-based regulation, and advocating for practical environmental solutions.
Provost concluded, “Grassroots advocacy is a cornerstone of our success. When we unite our voices and amplify one message, we hold the power to shape the future of our industry.” As agencies and associations navigate this transition, RISE remains committed to science-driven policy, advancing risk-based regulation, and advocating for practical environmental solutions.
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.
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