The first-ever joint turfgrass release agreement between the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative (FSGC) and a private company has generated more than $25,000 so far for the FSGC.

The funds have been generated by licensing fees remitted by sod producers that have been confirmed as licensed growers of Celebration^TM Bermudagrass during its initial licensing period. Through the provisions of the joint release agreement between the FSGC and Sod Solutions, a private turfgrass development company, the FSGC shares the benefits of licensing fees and future royalty payments. The FSGC will also participate in marketing and oversight of quality control.

All Celebration Bermudagrass licensees are FSGC members in good standing and meet Southern Seed Certification Agency requirements. Future licensing applicants will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a joint committee comprised of FSGC and Sod Solutions delegates.

“We believe that the FSGC has identified a competitive product in Celebration; and we are pleased by the enthusiasm that the membership has shown so far for this improved bermudagrass,” says Dave Dymond, president of the FSGC. “Definitely the income generated for the FSGC, as well as the interest in proprietary turfgrass brands, will support the FSGCís plans for progress. We look forward to providing product and marketing momentum to our membership, and to the Florida turfgrass industry.”

According to Dymond, the FSGC selected Celebration for joint release because it addresses current industry, environmental and marketplace trends; and because it is suitable for the regionís climate. Celebration appeals to homeowners, municipalities, and recreation entities. It offers a deep blue-green color, excellent drought tolerance, light-moderate shade tolerance, as well as lower maintenance requirements ‚ including greatly reduced mowing.

For more information about the FSGC, visit www.floridalawn.com.