RISE and CropLife America welcomed more than 350 industry leaders, regulatory experts and federal and state officials to the 2025 Regulatory Conference April 23–25 in Arlington, Va.

Chava McKeel, GCSAA director of government affairs, was invited to participate as an expert speaker for the Implementation of Best Management Practices in Specialty Applications breakout session on Friday, April 25.

McKeel joined her colleagues from the American Mosquito Control Association and the National Association of Landscape Professions in an insightful session on the essential Best Management Practices that applicators across the specialty industry use to prevent off-target pesticide movement. The audience heard firsthand from RISE applicator partners how they’ve developed, implemented and promoted BMPs within their sectors and learned how they’re engaging their members on the fundamentals of the Endangered Species Act and preparing for compliance.  

McKeel also shared the plans GCSAA had to weigh in on for the proposed USFWS monarch butterfly listing. 

The Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) is the national trade association representing the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry. Its mission is to promote a positive public image and advocate for the responsible use and regulation of these products. RISE focuses on issues related to environmental stewardship, advocacy and public perception of the specialty pest management industry. 

CropLife America represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. CropLife America’s member companies produce, sell and distribute virtually all the necessary and vital organic and non-organic pesticide and biotechnology products used by American farmers.

Contact Chava McKeel for more information.