What is MSC?

The MSC truly is your resource for answers to problems facing today’s mulch and soil industry.

Founded in 1972, the Mulch & Soil Council (MSC) is the national non-profit trade association for all producers of horticultural mulches, consumer potting soils and commercial growing media.

The mission of the MSC is to define quality products and promote a fair and open marketplace. To assist the industry in achieving these objectives, the Council provides:

  • PRODUCT STANDARDS: The MSC develops industry consensus on product guidelines and promotes these guidelines to all industry and market stakeholders.
  • PRODUCT CERTIFICATION: To assist retailers, regulators and consumers in determining what products conform to industry guidelines, the MSC conducts label review, laboratory testing and periodic field inspection to certify compliance with industry standards.
  • REGULATORY REPRESENTATION: MSC works to create or change laws that assure our industry’s right to do business without unfair regulatory burden. MSC’s history of effective industry representation has made it the leading advisor to federal and state governments on mulch and soil products.
  • ANNUAL MEETING: The Council sponsors an annual meeting offering owners and key company managers education on important regulatory and business issues for the industry.
  • PLANT MANAGERS TRAINING COURSES: The Council sponsors training programs on weights & measures issues, product labeling, QC methods, and best management practices for bagged and bulk production facilities managers.
  • INDUSTRY INFORMATION: The quarterly Council Newsletter conveys information on statistical trends, government regulations, product standards, Council activities, safety information, and a variety of other topics.
  • SPECIAL REPORTS: We can’t control when emergencies happen, but we can react to situations that demand immediate attention. MSC issues special industry reports saving members time and money responding to key issues.
  • ACCESS TO INDUSTRY RESEARCH: The Council produces research data to protect the industry from misleading news stories and inappropriate regulatory action.


Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Jim Weber ('24)*
Ohio Mulch
Columbus, OH


Director

Tom Kohut ('24)
Grant County Mulch
Petersburg, WV


Director

Steve Liffers ('26)
Swanson Bark & Wood Products
Longview, WA

Director

Nicholas Castorano ('25)
The Scotts Company
Columbus, OH

 

*Term Expiration Year

VICE PRESIDENT

Byron Morgan ('24)
Mountain West Bark
Rexberg, ID


Director

Ricky Urteaga ('24)
Kellogg Garden Products
Carson, CA


Director

Rick Mahoney ('25)
Garick, LLC
Cleveland, OH


Director

Randy Tyre ('26)
Waupaca Northwoods, Inc.
Waupaca, WI


SECRETARY/TRESURER

Joe Ertel ('25)
Oldcastle Lawn & Garden
Atlanta, GA

Director

Ka Yeon Jeong, Ph.D. ('25)
Sungro Horticulture
Agawam, MA


Director

Kent Rotert ('26)
Colorbiotics
Ames, IA


Director

Larry Doose ('26)
Sylva Corp.
Princeton, MN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Robert C. LaGasse
Mulch & Soil Council
Shallowater, TX


ASSOCIATE ED

Shelli Williams
Mulch & Soil Council
Shallowater, TX


LEGAL COUNSEL

John Hazard, Jr.
Webster, Chamberlain & Bean
Washington, D.C.


Certification Administrator

Lonny Nelson
Mulch & Soil Council
Shallowater, TX

Promoting common industry goals.

Council Goals

  • Goal 1: Promote Guidelines, Standards and Certification

    Market competition is good—if it is fair! The MSC has developed an industry consensus on product standards and guidelines and promotes these guidelines to retail buyers, specifiers and consumers of mulch and soil products. Though our standards are voluntary, they are viewed by many state governments and retailers as the primary product guidelines for our industry.

    To assist regulators, retailers and consumers in determining what products conform to industry guidelines, the MSC conducts a voluntary product certification program. Products qualifying for certification must pass product and label review, laboratory testing and periodic field inspection in order to use the MSC certification mark on bags.

  • Goal 2: Promote Ethical Business Practices

    Though the Council has no regulatory powers, it has requested state and federal inspectors intervention to help level the playing field when inequities appear in the marketplace. Wherever the association members see an inequity in the marketplace, the association responds by promoting open, fair competition.

  • Goal 3: Promote Fair and Reasonable Laws and Regulations

    MSC speaks with one voice to create or change laws that assure our industry’s right to do business without unfair regulatory burden. As a result, the MSC is the leading advisor to federal and state governments on mulch and soil products. `

  • Goal 4: Provide Industry Education & Training

    Each year, the MSC sponsors an annual meeting offering owners and key company managers education on important regulatory and business issues for the mulch and soils industry. While combining comfortable surroundings with recreational opportunities, our program is the major business meeting of the year.

    Meeting participants meet fellow producers who share their common problems and can offer advice on solutions. In addition to initiating business relationships, it provides education on marketing, product, and regulatory issues.

  • Goal 5: Promote Industry Growth

    The most important aspect of today’s competitive economy isidentifying new markets and expanding purchases from existing customers. The MSC understands this fact and channels its efforts to improve business opportunities for its members. A sampling of programs available to members includes:
    - Marketing brochures advocating mulch and soil product use, and
    - Consumer advisories on mulch and soil product selection

  • Goal 6: Collect, Coordinate & Disseminate Information

    The business environment for the mulch and soil industry has changed dramatically over the years. Regulations on packaging, quality and labeling are being implemented on federal and state levels. The key to remaining ahead of the game is having access to information. The kind of information that makes a difference in how you manage sales and production is provided by the MSC through:

    • MSC NNQ newsletter: In ten issues per year this publication conveys information on industry trends, Weights & Measures regulations, product standards, nomenclature, Association committee activities, safety information, and a variety of other topics.

    • Special Reports and Announcements: We can’t control when emergencies happen, but we can react to situations that demand immediate attentionby issuing special industry reports.

  • Goal 7: Promote Research and Industry Technology

    By tracking new developments and trends, the MSC can offer members insight into market changes and recommendations for processing or other technology shifts. New ideas are regularly explored at annual meetings. The MSC is the best way to keep up to date on new ideas and practices that can benefit your company and its bottom line.

  • Goal 8: Expand the Council

    The more producers the Council represents, the greater our voice for the industry. The MSC is constantly developing new standards and guidelines, influencing government regulations and marketing product quality to retailers and consumers. Your voice should be heard on all these activities, and the MSC is the only vehicle devoted to representing the interests of mulch and soil producers. Isn’t it time your voice was heard?

More Info.

  • How To Join

    The MSC truly is your resource for answers to problems facing today’s mulch and soil industry. Learn more about how the Council can make a better future for your business including info on membership categories, benefits, and annual dues.

  • Directory

    Download the latest version of the MSC Membership Directory for contact information.

    Producer Members listings include companies that produce mulch, consumer potting soils and/or commercial growing media.

    Affiliate Member listings include companies that provide processing equipment and supplies such as baggers, grinders, screens, plastic bags, fork lifts, palletizers and other plant operating materials.

    Associate Members include listings of companies that provide services for Regular Members such as horticultural distributors, design consultants, engineering consultants and transportation/shipping brokers.

  • Member List

    Please feel free to browse our links to Council member websites for product information.

    Producer Members listings include companies that produce mulch, consumer potting soils and/or commercial growing media.

    Affiliate Member listings include companies that provide processing equipment and supplies such as baggers, grinders, screens, plastic bags, fork lifts, palletizers and other plant operating materials.

    Associate Members include listings of companies that provide services for Regular Members such as horticultural distributors, design consultants, engineering consultants and transportation/shipping brokers.

  • Contact Us

    7809 N. FM 179
    Shallowater, TX 79363

    TEL: 806.832.1810

    info@mulchandsoilcouncil.org

Monitor Industry and Market Trends.