​TNLA Chairman Bobby Eichholz discusses his term, the Board's strategic plan, advocacy efforts, water and labor issues, and the rewards of leadership

Water is the lifeblood of Texas communities and industries, especially our green industry, which depends on reliable supplies. Yet, urgent action is required with over 8 million Texans affected by drought and aging infrastructure struggling to keep pace.

Legislative Efforts: A Game-Changer
​State lawmakers, led by Senator Charles Perry, are making this legislative session pivotal for water policy. Perry, chair of the Senate Water and Agricultural Resources Committee, proposes allocating at least $1 billion annually to the Texas Water Fund. This funding could support critical projects like infrastructure maintenance, desalination, and drought mitigation.

Why It Matters to TNLA
For TNLA, this is a critical opportunity. Our members have seen firsthand how water shortages threaten economic growth and the green industry’s ability to thrive. Cities like Dripping Springs and Conroe have already paused new development due to water concerns, and South Texas agricultural operations have faced devastating setbacks.

Take Action with TNLA
TNLA is committed to advocating for sustainable water solutions through consistent state funding and strategic investments. We support legislative efforts to address this challenge head-on and encourage our members to join us in calling for action to secure Texas’ water future. 

Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous state for future generations.

📖 Read more: Austin American-Statesman: Water Issues Are on State Agenda click here
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🔗 Get Involved: For more information on how to get involved with Advocacy efforts don't hesitate to get in touch with Curtis Smith, TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected]

Hostile foreign ownership of agricultural land is emerging as a significant issue for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Nationwide, 25 states have already enacted laws restricting foreign ownership of land, with Texas now considering its own measures. The primary concerns revolve around land acquisitions by individuals or entities linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, particularly near U.S. military bases.
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According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, foreign investors from Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany collectively own approximately 50% of Texas agricultural land held by non-U.S. entities. While much of the focus has been on countries considered hostile to the U.S., this broader context underscores the complexity of foreign land ownership in Texas

During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 147 (SB 147), authored by State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham). The bill sought to prohibit property acquisition by governmental entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It specifically targeted agricultural land, timberland, and property near military bases to mitigate potential security risks. SB 147 included definitions, exceptions for diplomatic and consular properties, and provisions allowing current landowners from these countries to retain their property while restricting future acquisitions.
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In presenting SB 147, Senator Kolkhorst cited examples such as the purchase of 130,000 acres near Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio by a former member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. She emphasized concerns about national security and pointed out the double standard in which Americans cannot purchase land near Chinese military bases. Kolkhorst argued that similar restrictions should apply in Texas.
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As the 89th Legislative Session unfolds, several bills addressing foreign land ownership have been introduced. While some focus specifically on agricultural land, others take a broader approach to foreign ownership of Texas property. Most proposals center on limiting acquisitions by companies tied to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, or entities with significant ownership from these nations.
Current Legislative Proposals:

• SB 103 by Senator Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• SB 307 by Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)
• HB 191 and HB 1566 by Representatives David Spiller (R-Jacksboro) and Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), respectively (identical bills)
• HB 518 by Representative Terri Leo-Wilson (R-Galveston), a broader bill banning all nonresident or foreign acquisition of agricultural land
• HB 1743 by Representative Mitch Little (R-Carrollton), targeting countries under U.S. arms embargoes, including Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zimbabwe

This issue reflects a growing concern among lawmakers and Texans about the strategic and security implications of foreign ownership of land in the state.
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For questions or concerns, please get in touch with Curtis Smith at [email protected].

1. The Power of Collaboration
​The forum showcased the immense value of collaboration. Attendees had the chance to connect with peers, sponsors, and exhibitors while engaging in meaningful discussions about industry challenges and opportunities. Seeing online collaborators come together in person was a testament to the strength of the TNLA community and its commitment to shared success.

​2. Celebrating Industry Leadership and Innovation
This year’s event featured a special moment with the graduation of the Leadership Bootcamp Class, a program spearheaded by the TNLA Foundation. This initiative highlights TNLA's dedication to cultivating future leaders who will shape the Texas green industry. The ceremony inspired all attendees and reinforced the importance of investing in professional growth.

3. Celebrating Excellence at the Awards Festival
The hard work of our presenters and planning team truly paid off during the Awards Festival, which was a standout moment of the event. Recognizing the achievements of individuals and businesses in the industry reminded us all why we’re passionate about horticulture. It was inspiring to see the pride and enthusiasm from award recipients and attendees alike.

4. Exploring the Industry Through Tours
​The Forum also included exclusive industry tours, offering attendees a firsthand look at innovative practices and operations within the green industry & beyond. These tours provided a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge techniques in action, network with industry leaders, and gain insights to bring back to their businesses. Attendees consistently praised the tours for their practical value and the inspiration they provided

​5. Trends and Insights for the Future
The forum featured impactful sessions and panels that explored key trends and insights shaping the future of horticulture, including sustainable practices, workforce challenges, and innovative technologies. These sessions provided attendees with actionable takeaways to implement in their businesses, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. The collaborative discussions and diverse perspectives showcased the strength and expertise of the TNLA community.

Resources
The Lone Star Hort Forum also included a live podcast recording of the TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 3, titled "Navigating the Texas Green Industry's H-2A and H-2B Immigration Work Program." Moderated by Curtis Smith (TNLA) and featuring expert panelists Devin Guinn and Antonio Vergara, the session covered:

Challenges and opportunities with H-2A and H-2B work programs.
Practical advice for navigating regulations and securing reliable labor.
Sponsored by Forward.us, the podcast is a must-listen for professionals seeking workforce sustainability solutions.
Listen to the Podcast:
👉 Full Episode HERE
The closing keynote, "Decision FAIL: Top Business Decision Making Mistakes (and How Smart Leaders Avoid Them)," by Brett Hoogeveen of BetterCulture, captivated attendees. Brett shared actionable strategies like the "360 Rule" and "Pre-Mortem" exercises, offering practical tools for improving decision-making and avoiding common pitfalls in leadership. You can download his slide deck HERE

Looking Ahead
The Lone Star Hort Forum 2025 was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. From the TNLA Foundation’s leadership initiatives to the keynote, industry tours, and networking opportunities, the event reinforced the importance of working together to advance the green industry.

We’re grateful to everyone who attended, presented, and supported this year’s Lone Star Hort Forum. Your participation drives the success of our community, and we can’t wait to see how these experiences shape the future.

What was your favorite moment from the forum? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you!

Start the Year Strong with TNLA: Events and Resources for 2025
As we begin 2025, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is excited to offer an engaging lineup of events and resources designed to empower professionals and businesses in the green industry. From educational workshops to networking opportunities, here’s a look at what’s coming up this year:

1. Region V Networking Meeting
Date: January 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Details: Kick off the year by connecting with peers and discussing regional initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate, and strengthen your local network.

2. Meet the Region VII Board
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Details: Join us for this all-day event where you’ll meet the Region VII Board members. Learn about their goals for the year, provide your input, and find ways to get involved in shaping the future of the industry.

3. TNLA Region II Winter Workshop
Date: January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: West Houston Institute, Houston Community College, 2811 Hayes Road, Houston, TX 77082
Details: This full-day workshop is packed with educational sessions tailored for the green industry, offered in both English and Spanish. Topics include landscaping and maintenance, healthy plants and soil, business development, OSHA safety, and more.
A dedicated Irrigation Track is available, offering 8 hours of TCEQ-approved CEU credit. Lunch is included, and you’ll also have the chance to network with exhibitors and industry professionals. This workshop is a must-attend event for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and build connections in 2025.

4. TNLA Region 7: State of Water in Texas Meeting
Date: February 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: AgriLife Weslaco Auditorium, 2415 US-83 BUS, Weslaco, TX 78596
Details: This meeting will explore the current state of water resources in Texas, featuring presentations by Curtis Smith
Lunch will be free for members that rsvp and will be $10 for non members that RSVP. Please email [email protected] for questions or to RSVP
Zoom links will be available for members unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone can access this vital information.

5. Women in Hort Virtual Meeting
Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Details: This virtual gathering is designed to connect and empower women in the horticulture industry. Share experiences, gain valuable insights, and grow professionally in a supportive and inspiring environment. Our guest speaker, Lori Whitten from Action Visa, will talk about H2B visa work and its impact on our industry. We’ll also discuss industry trends, TNLA updates, and the latest plans for the Women in Hort event at Expo. 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85471358024?pwd=Oi4L22jarxBBRirdTjtpEasSIRkDV0.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 854 7135 8024
Passcode: 158380

6. 2025 TNLA Legislative Day
Date: March 13, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Details: Join us at the Texas Capitol to advocate for policies that support the green industry. This is a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, share your perspectives, and help shape the future of the industry.
Let’s Make 2025 a Year of Growth and Success
TNLA is committed to providing the tools, resources, and opportunities you need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new insights, or advocate for our industry, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup.

Don’t miss out—visit our Events Calendar for full details and registration information. Click HERE

We look forward to supporting your growth and success in 2025. Together, let’s make this year one to remember!​