Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Industry Survivial

Would you agree the "green" industry is our nation first,"original" environmentalist? I personally believe so.... I mean how do you get more environmentally friendly than plants? No solar panels needed, no electric cars, no energy efficient appliances! Nope, just plane ol' ordinary plants. Plants which absorb Carbon Dioxide, release oxygen. Plants which filter air, dust, noise and other pollutants. Just plants!!!!!!

So, why is it that we in the "green" industry seem to get our butts kicked by regulatory programs, the news media, environmental activists and, subsequently, local, state and federal governments?

The simple answer is: We look to blame someone. To place responsibility on somebody else, to say we are right and people should just understand. Unfortunately, it takes more. We can tell our story to every person who will listen. Yet, if you talk to the general public, they believe fertilizers are polluting Florida's waters, rivers and estuaries, destroying the Everglades and, essentially, ruining the rest of our country. A more holistic look at the problem reveals, frankly, we stink at our public image. This filters down into: we stink in our relations with the media and, ultimately, at some point, we will lose every local, state and federal legislative battle because, absent of a change, we will appear insignificant!! Tough love but, I guarantee I am absolutely right. In fact, I am more certain than the two absolutes in this world "death and taxes." It's gonna happen unless we change our attitude.

We are approaching a key cross-roads within the "green" industry. Quite frankly, we have matured a lot over the past 5-10 years. But, in the public policy arena, we are still adolescences who can't afford to "rock the boat!" It's OK because prior to this matriculation we were still in the baby cradle and being spoon-fed. The unfortunate reality is our "green" industry needs to transform from adolescent to cagey veteran overnight. We must deal with two very distinct facts: (1) We are the "big" agricultural force and, at some point, grand ol' men such as citrus, vegetable, sugar and cattle will not be there to cover our "assets;" and, (2) We are in the midst of a new battle regarding urban pollution issues which are largely atypical of the traditional agricultural fights. Pick your poison, either way there is a large gaping hole.

Don't be fooled, our adversaries our experienced veterans. Many of the most vocal environmental groups have no limit to the venomous words and battles they wage. They are ill-concerned with any science that doesn't support their cause. They are ill-concerned with any costs to your business. They are ill-concerned with your property rights. However, they are well financed. They have a tremendous grassroots system. And, they have the story line. How can we compete with "a picture of dead fish, and green slime under docks." They will not stop until they get their way, to hell with the consequences, unless somebody shuts them down!

So, we come full circle back to YOU! What are you going to do about it? Are you content with sticking your head in the sand? Are you convinced that just knowing you are right will save you from this headache? Are you satisfied in waiting for someone else to ride in on a white horse and save the day? Or, have you had a belly full of this crap? Are you prepared to invest your time and money to shut these folks down? Are you ready to invest in the type of Public Relations Campaign that reminds folks we are the good guys?

The choice is yours. There is no sense in cherry coating what is required. It takes MONEY! It takes organization! It takes leadership! And, it takes being prepared to beat these fools at their own game. Why should they be the sweethearts and self- proclaimed "saviors" of Florida's environment? Why should they take credit for the things we have already done and the laundry list of things we can still do?

Many of us have heard the old adage "History is written by those who show up"? Well, it is sure time we show up to the fight. FNGLA is the recognized leader of Florida's green industry, we have the organization but, knowing we are the leader and by-god acting like the leader are two entirely different things. FNGLA members have to "buy" in and take control of our future! If now is not the time to unite, then you have to ask yourself how many time can I get kicked in the seat of my pants before I have had enough?

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