TPI President Offers Industry Insights

Turfgrass producers have their sights set on a bright future and will continue to find success as they address significant issues facing the green industry, noted Ed Zuckerman, president of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), during his annual state of the industry report.

Water and artificial turf are a few hot buttons for the industry, Zuckerman observed. “We in the turfgrass industry must deal with water shortage issues beginning with local and national coalition building to combat repercussions from drought,” he noted. “An influx of artificial turf, along with the continuing water shortage are two large and expanding issues TPI is addressing on behalf of the entire turfgrass industry,” he said.

Zuckerman predicts the pervasiveness of these issues, combined with real estate interest rate levels and high insurance costs, will force turf producers to reevaluate how they do business, making adjustments when necessary.
But despite issues and struggles, Zuckerman sees success in the future for his colleagues.

“Even though there are challenges facing the industry, there are also opportunities to differentiate yourself from the rest of the world,” he acknowledged. “These challenges present tremendous potential to grow businesses.”