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CULTIVATING OUR INDUSTRY SINCE 1967
TPI has a long-standing history of advocating behind the scenes to protect and promote the turfgrass production industry. Whether working at the federal or local levels, TPI’s track record of getting involved and making a difference can be found in codes and regulations around the globe.

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Join today to support TPI’s efforts in protecting our industry and get a FREE copy of Turfgrass Sod as Agriculture that discusses key rules and regulations that impact seed and sod farmers everywhere.

Success Stories

Ag Commodity Definition and Covered Farm Vehicle Exemptions

In 2019, sod producers taking their product to market were about to lose their status as Covered Farm Vehicles (49 CFR 390.5)—and the important exemptions that come with that status. TPI stepped in. After TPI filed an exemption request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and met with them in person in Washington, DC, the DOT announced in 2020 that sod would be included in their new definition of agricultural commodities (49 CFR 395.2). Without TPI’s efforts, sod producers in the U.S. would have lost important Hours of Service (HOS) exemptions and would have been required to install Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in all sod delivery trucks.

Covid-19 Relief Funds

In 2020, when Covid-19 upended the world and global markets, sod producers were not initially included in USDA Covid-19 relief programs—or the billions of dollars of federal aid associated with them. After seven months of diligent work with USDA, TPI ensured that sod producers gained eligibility for $210 million of relief funds to offset market losses during the national response to the pandemic.

Protecting Key Products in Sod Production

TPI is at the forefront or protecting important products for use in sod production. In the last five years alone, we have worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on registration reviews for almost a dozen herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides to make sure that sod producers retain these key farm tools. There are over 70 plant protectants under review as part of EPA’s strategic plan, and TPI will work with them every step of the way to provide much-needed information for re-registrations vitally important to sod producers.

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Become an ally.

Whether it’s working nationally on the U.S. Farm Bill, trucking laws, pesticide regulations, crop insurance, relief programs, etc., or focusing on local grass-friendly building codes and state or municipal ordinances, TPI is quietly and diligently working behind the scenes to make sure seed and sod producers worldwide have a voice.