During Cultivate’25, more than 60 professionals attended the Industry Issues Update hosted by RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) in partnership with AmericanHort. The session emphasized the urgent need for coordinated advocacy in response to increasing regulatory pressures.
Megan Provost, president of RISE, led the event and highlighted the volume of legislative activity affecting the horticulture industry. “From local pesticide bans to sweeping federal proposals, we are facing unprecedented policy threats at every level of government,” Provost said. RISE tracked more than 750 state bills in 2024 alone that could affect businesses, employees and customers.
The session featured insights from Aaron Dillon, vice president and general manager of Four Winds Growers, and Scott Powell, nursery general manager of Dutchman Tree Farms. Both shared their experiences engaging with lawmakers and stressed the importance of storytelling and unified messaging.
Dillon noted that clear communication is vital, as legislators often lack detailed knowledge of proposed bills. Powell underscored how large-scale operations rely on supportive policies and that repeated outreach is necessary for long-term impact.
Provost closed by encouraging attendees to get involved through the RISE Grassroots Network and related initiatives. “It takes many voices to move the needle,” she said, emphasizing that unified action is essential for meaningful change.
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