Industry Happenings: LaGasse Honored with Leber Award 

February 1, 2026 

Bob LaGasse, executive director of the Mulch & Soil Council, has his finger on the pulse of the industry like no one else. But even he was taken aback by the most recent presentation of the John Leber Award for Distinguished Service.  

MSC president Jim Weber presented LaGasse the award during the annual meeting in Disney Springs, Florida in the fall. The board had unanimously chosen LaGasse, who has been leading the organization for the past 44 years.  

“I didn’t think this industry could keep a secret,” said LaGasse, as he accepted the award with surprise and a bit of humor. “I truly appreciate the recognition, and it has been a great pleasure to work for such a great organization.”  

The Council's 55th annual meeting returns to New Orleans Sept. 29-Oct. 1. 

New Certification for All-Natural Mulch  

Consumers continue to show a growing interest in all-natural and organic products. Over the past few years, the Mulch & Soil Council identified a similar interest in using mulch and soil products made from all-natural ingredients.  

While many MSC Certified Products are indeed natural, the Uniform Voluntary Product Guidelines (UVPG) from 2003 did not specifically make that a requirement.  

In 2025, the MSC adopted new guidelines for Certified All-Natural Horticultural Mulches. The purpose of the certification program is “to help identify products that comply with the more stringent definition and a higher level of inspection and testing for horticultural mulches wanted by today’s gardening consumer,” the MSC’s announcement said.  

A new label helps consumers identify mulches that meet the all-natural standard. For producers, the certification can serve as both a differentiator and a marketing tool. The MSC continues to work on a similar all-natural certification for soil products.