In his annual state-of-the-industry report, Ed Zuckerman, president of the Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), predicted an ?EUR??,,????'??influx of artificial turf, along with the continuing water shortage?EUR??,,????'?? as the two largest issues facing TPI. Zuckerman stressed the importance of expounding the benefits of natural turf to counter the proponents of artificial turf. Zuckerman believes the turfgrass industry must build local and national coalitions to raise awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes with natural turf, and to combat the repercussions from drought. He cited the Evergreen Foundation (www.evergreenfoundation.org) as one group with these agenda. Noting the high workers?EUR??,,????'??? compensation costs and liability insurance rates, Zuckerman noted his company, Delta Bluegrass, in Stockton, California, is looking to handle installation services from within, instead of hiring outside firms. He encouraged green industry companies to investigate such alternatives to mitigate these rising costs. Zuckerman is the 33rd president of the TPI, a 38 year old not-for-profit association representing 1,100 turfgrass sod and seed producers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and those involved in green industry education and research fields in 40 countries.