The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is contemplating the establishment of a national program to bolster the $2.2 billion natural grass sod industry, which is currently facing market erosion due to the rising popularity of plastic turf and prevailing consumer misconceptions. This initiative stems from growing concerns within the federal government and among sod producers about the declining appreciation for the benefits of natural grass. These misconceptions often paint natural grass as resource-intensive, requiring excessive water, fertilizers, and chemicals, while overlooking its ecological advantages and economic contributions. The USDA aims to counter these narratives and highlight the positive attributes of natural grass through a comprehensive promotion, research, and information program.
The proposed program, termed the “Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order,” is currently under consideration, with a referendum being conducted among sod producers to gauge support for its implementation. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is spearheading this effort and has actively sought public input through proposed rulemakings and comment periods. The program’s central objective is to educate the public about the advancements in natural grass technologies, including drought-tolerant varieties and efficient irrigation methods, thereby correcting misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making. Furthermore, the USDA emphasizes the economic significance of the natural sod supply chain, which supports local economies through various avenues, including home improvement centers, landscaping services, and related product sales.
The USDA’s assessment of the natural grass sod industry underscores its substantial economic contribution. With approximately 1,500 farms spanning over 376,300 acres nationwide, the industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually. The diverse climates across the United States allow for the cultivation of a wide range of grass species, each adapted to specific regions and plant hardiness zones. This regional diversity strengthens the industry’s resilience and supports a complex network of interconnected businesses, including seed producers, sod farms, and various segments of the green industry. The USDA highlights the significant seed production, particularly in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, which supplies a substantial portion of the seed used by sod farms across the country.
While alternative landscaping materials like mulch, brick, and concrete pavers pose some competition, the primary threat to the natural grass sod industry comes from the burgeoning artificial turf market. The USDA acknowledges the rapid growth of the plastic turf industry, which has witnessed a 15% increase since 2017, reaching a market value of $2.7 billion. This expansion is largely driven by increasing demand for artificial turf in athletic fields and landscaping applications. This competition underscores the urgency of the proposed program to promote natural grass and effectively communicate its advantages over synthetic alternatives.
The USDA’s proposal to establish a national program for natural grass sod has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders, including grass growers, industry organizations, university researchers, and health advocates. These supporters emphasize the need for public education to combat negative perceptions about natural grass and highlight its environmental, health, and economic benefits. Allen Woerner, a prominent sod producer, stresses the importance of research-backed information to counter misconceptions and promote the positive image of natural grass. Kevin Morris, president of the National Turfgrass Federation, underscores the environmental and health concerns associated with plastic grass and advocates for increased research funding for turfgrass.
Academic researchers from Mississippi State University echo these concerns, highlighting the environmental implications of synthetic turf alternatives and emphasizing the need for research to enhance the sustainability and productivity of natural grass. Furthermore, health researchers like Diana Zuckerman from the National Center for Health Research express concerns about the potential health risks associated with artificial turf, including lead and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as well as increased injury rates compared to natural grass fields. This collective support reinforces the importance of the proposed program in promoting the benefits of natural grass and addressing the challenges posed by its synthetic counterpart. The USDA recognizes the need for increased public awareness regarding the technological advancements in natural grass cultivation and care, as well as the comparative advantages and disadvantages of natural versus artificial turf, considering economic, health, environmental, and wildlife impacts.
