Field Report: Grassroots efforts build momentum at RISE conference September 25, 2006 By: Frank H. Andorka Jr.

Speakers at this year's RISE/CropLife America meeting discuss the importance of local efforts in the pesticide regulation battles.

The trials will evaluate turf color, turf quality, turf growth, and soil nutrient levels, and compare the organic products to each other, as well as to synthetic controls.

Laws restricting the use of phosphorus in lawn care and landscapes to protect streams and lakes have been spreading in recent years, first in Minnesota, then in regions of Florida, Wisconsin and Michigan.

The merger of UAP with Utah Acquisition follows the successful completion of the tender offer by Agrium U.S. Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Agrium, for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of UAP at a price of $39 per share in cash.

Scotts has undertaken a nation-wide recall of four products due to concerns regarding the status of their federal registrations.

The University of Connecticut "Fescue to the Rescue" program is gaining favorable attention from homeowners and environmental agencies.

A University of Florida study suggests that repeatedly using large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer can ignite a population explosion of Southern chinch bugs, reported Eileen Buss at the Entomological Society of America meeting.

Suffolk County says says overuse and misapplication of nitrogen-rich fertilizers are degrading waters of all descriptions at an accelerating rate and must be curbed.

Authorities take the measure to protect water quality and reduce algae blooms in west Michigan lakes

Known as a "fertilization application environmental impact fee," the charge would appear as an itemized item on each customer?s fertilizer application bill.

Lawn care’s political picture could worsen with elections February 05, 2008 By: Ron Hall

Anticipating this presidential election year and the possibility of a different (i.e. more liberal) stance from national leaders starting in 2009, RISE is stepping up efforts to work at the federal level on behalf of the specialty chemical industry, and to stress its importance in putting the “green” into the Green Industry.

The proposal includes a ban on application of all fertilizers in between November 1 and April 1 in Suffolk County, NY.

Sarasota County is holding a public forum July 11 to consider restrictions on the use of fertilizer in parks.

Sarasota County approved a new ordinance this morning regulating fertilizer usage near rivers, streams and beach areas.

Agrium Inc. announced today that it has acquired a 19.6 percent equity position in a Chinese specialty fertilizer company, Hanfeng Evergreen Inc.

There are many factors to consider before choosing the right product for the property.

Homeowners or companies won't be ticketed for using too much fertilizer. Instead, manufacturers will have to change their fertilizer formulas and label instructions.

Plainville is reportedly the second town in Connecticut that feels it can (and should) maintain its public land without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

County officials said they will spend the next year on a campaign to educate the public about phosphorus fertilizers and the need to protect surface water.

The furor over the use of lawn care chemicals continues to spread over Canada like a rash.