New York Green Industry Members to Meet with Legislators

The New York State Turfgrass Association’s Turfgrass Advocacy Day will take place at the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany, New York Feb. 13 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Turfgrass industry professionals are invited to learn about the latest legislative updates and meet with their legislators to address issues of concern. 

The day will begin with breakfast while industry experts review issues and advocacy strategy.  Attendees will then meet with legislators from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., giving them the opportunity to communicate their views on important green industry issues. Following the appointments, a luncheon has been scheduled where New York State Senator James L. Seward, chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee and a member of the Agriculture Committee, will address participants on the issues facing the horticultural and agricultural industries in New York State.

Issues highlighted at 2008 Turfgrass Advocacy Day include:

New York Farm Viability Institute

Continued funding for the New York Farm Viability Institute, an independent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to strengthening agricultural and horticultural industries by eliminating barriers to success

Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund

Continuation of a $175,000 appropriation in the New York State Budget for the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund. This fund is distributed in the form of grants with a preference toward research that will have a positive impact on the environment.

Golf Course Owners – Blue Ribbon Panel

A Blue Ribbon Panel is necessary to propose a plan of action with regard to government-run and privately-owned golf facilities in order to create fairness of competition in business leisure industries

Pesticide Product Registration Law

Current time frames for review of pesticide product registration and pesticide product registration fees be made permanent

Pre-emption of Fertilizer

Support for the state pre-emption of regulatory control over seed and fertilizer laws and regulation

To register, access the 2008 Turfgrass Advocacy Day brochure on the New York State Turfgrass Association Web site.  For additional information, call NYSTA at 518/783-1229 or e-mail nysta@nysta.org.