According to the U.S Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, Census of Agriculture 2007, the U.S. turfgrass sod industry experienced a considerable increase in both acres in turfgrass sod production and overall sales over a five year period. Turfgrass sod producers now generate sales in excess of one billion dollars annually.

TPI is the worldwide association committed to the advancement of the turfgrass sod industry. Through the education of its members, product users and various green industry and government entities, the association serves to encourage the use of turfgrass sod worldwide. The commitment of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) to its members, the communities they serve and the world around us is best expressed in TPI’s Mission Statement:

“To represent and advance the turfgrass sod industry worldwide through the promotion of improved practices, the professional development of members and the enhancement of the environment.”

TPI was formed in 1967, as the American Sod Producers Association (ASPA), by a group of 40 Midwest United States turfgrass sod farmers who believed their common goals and issues could be better served by combining their resources. In 1994, and in response to ASPA’s growing international membership and visibility, ASPA changed its name to Turfgrass Producers International (TPI). Today TPI is governed by an 11-person Board of Trustees and supported by a six-person staff.

TPI’s membership exceeds 1,100 and is comprised of turfgrass sod producers from over forty countries around the world. Collectively they represent the most productive, knowledgeable and informed turfgrass sod producers, suppliers, manufacturers and educators in the turfgrass sod industry. The diversified membership of TPI, represented by 70% U.S. and 30% international members makes it a unique association where members have an opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with fellow turfgrass sod producers in a non-competitive environment and one which is open to mutual cooperation, understanding and support. 75% of TPI members are turfgrass sod producers located in the U.S. (52%), Canada (6%) and international countries (17%). 11% are represented by suppliers/manufacturers and 14% are educators, students, associates, retired, and honorary members.

TPI provides its members with numerous educational opportunities, the means for professional development, the opportunity to exchange information, member support services related to the turfgrass sod industry and access to numerous benefits including but not limited to:

• Turf News (Award winning bi-monthly magazine)
• TPI’s Bi-monthly Business Management Newsletter
• TPI’s Monthly Email Newsletter
• Annual Membership Directory
• Summer Convention & Field Days
• Midwinter Conference & Exposition
• Educational Seminars
• Various technical and sales/marketing brochures and booklets
• Public Relations support targeted to professional and consumer groups
• Insight into the latest innovations in equipment and related services
• Opportunity to network with other turfgrass sod producers
• Information and resources that can help turfgrass sod producers grow their business
• Resources and information through the TPI website including unlimited access to MichiganStateUniversity’s Turf Information Center (TIC) which maintains the Turfgrass Information File (TGIF), a turf database that contains more than 100,000 records of the most comprehensive collection of turfgrass educational materials in the world