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Earlier this week, the federal government reopened following a shutdown that, while brief, had immediate implications for employers relying on federal agencies to function without interruption. Even short shutdowns can have real-world consequences for the green industry—especially when it comes to seasonal labor programs like H-2A and H-2B. During a funding lapse, large portions of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) are furloughed, including staff within the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC). This office is responsible for processing H-2A and H-2B job orders and issuing labor certifications. When these offices are not operating, applications are not reviewed, certifications are not issued, and processing timelines effectively freeze. For industries like ours timing is critical. Even a short disruption can compound existing delays, throwing off hiring schedules and creating uncertainty for employers who are trying to plan months in advance. TNLA continues to closely monitor these developments and communicate with agency officials to understand and mitigate impacts on our members wherever possible. Thanks to TNLA Members Who Reached OutDHS Releases 64,716 Supplemental H-2B Visas We do have some positive news to share!! Following sustained advocacy from industry stakeholders—including strong engagement from TNLA members—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), working jointly with the Department of Labor, has announced the release of 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas for fiscal year 2026. These visas are in addition to the 66,000 H-2B visas authorized annually by Congress. Visa availability is tied to employment start dates and worker status:
Why This Matters to TNLA MembersLandscapers and other seasonal businesses continue to face serious workforce shortages that cannot be filled through the domestic labor market alone. The release of supplemental H-2B visas provides important, though temporary, relief for employers trying to meet demand during peak seasons. This action reflects ongoing pressure from employers across multiple industries and underscores the need for longer-term, structural reforms to the H-2B program that provide predictability, reduce uncertainty, and better align visa availability with real-world workforce needs. Thank you to the TNLA members who engaged on this issue and responded to calls to action. Your advocacy continues to play a critical role in shaping outcomes that directly affect Texas green industry businesses. As always, TNLA will keep you informed as additional details and guidance become available. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
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TNLA recently facilitated a tour at Native Texas Nursery in Austin alongside Katie Marschner of Congressman Greg Casar’s (D-Austin) office. The visit gave a firsthand look at a leading wholesale nursery operation and created an opportunity to highlight how people, plants, and policy intersect to support a strong and resilient green industry in Texas. A Texas Original  Founded in 1987 on just three acres in South Austin by Bill Carson, Native Texas Nursery began with a straightforward mission: providing high-quality native plants to area garden centers. Demand grew steadily, and by 2000 the nursery had expanded to seven acres, ultimately relocating to its current 40-acre site on Milo Road in East Austin to accommodate its growing operation. Today, it serves retail nurseries, landscape professionals, architects, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across the state, a testament to its enduring relevance in Texas markets. Leadership and Legacy We were warmly welcomed by Emily Brown (Owner/CEO), whose leadership has guided Native through decades of market shifts. Emily spoke passionately about the integral role of her H-2A workforce, highlighting how long-tenured employees bring deep expertise and reliability to the nursery. This success underscores how critical a stable, experienced workforce is to the green industry. Long-tenured H-2A employees bring institutional knowledge that cannot be quickly replaced, from plant care and seasonal timing to mentoring newer staff. This continuity strengthens operations, improves efficiency, and ultimately benefits customers across Texas. It also highlights why reliable and predictable federal guest-worker programs are essential for nurseries and landscape businesses that depend on skilled seasonal labor to meet market demand. Leading much of the tour was James Plyler, Sales Manager, who has been with Native for over a decade. James’s familiarity with the nursery’s operations and his capacity to explain complex production and landscape supply concepts made him an ideal guide, and his involvement on the TNLA Education Committee underscores his dedication to industry education. James offered a beautiful insight into Native’s culture: “At this nursery, we don’t just grow plants…” — a reflection on how the company fosters growth in both plants and people alike. Also on hand was Mario Gonzalez who wore many hats in the operation. His quick wit and willingness to share stories made it clear he’s a vital part of the team the sort of person who quietly keeps things running and brings lightness to hard work. The depth of experience among Native’s staff highlights how much the industry depends on knowledge passed from one generation of workers to the next. Employees who have spent years mastering their craft contribute not only through their labor, but by teaching others and strengthening the overall operation. This kind of skill transfer reinforces the need for workforce policies that recognize horticulture as a profession built on expertise, training, and experience. Preparation  As the nursery prepared for a potential winter storm expected over the weekend, we saw firsthand how they ready their stock and staff for challenging weather. Trees were thoughtfully laid down and shielded in groups, revealing the nursery’s diligent planning. The nursery’s preparations reminded us of how closely the green industry is tied to Texas’s increasingly unpredictable weather. Thoughtful planning, protective measures, and lessons learned from past events like Winter Storm Uri demonstrate how nurseries adapt to safeguard both plants and people. As communities look for ways to strengthen resilience against extreme weather, the role of nurseries in recovery, replanting, and long-term landscape stability becomes even more important. Advocacy and Appreciation  Congressman Casar’s district staffer, Katie, was especially impressed by how Native Texas Nursery treats and retains its workforce, and by the pride and expertise employees bring to their roles. She shared that learning directly from businesses like this is critical. Understanding how the industry operates helps ensure our voices are better informed and more effectively heard. Hosting policymakers and their staff at member businesses like Native Texas Nursery helps bridge the gap between policy discussions and real-world operations. Seeing a nursery in action provides context that cannot be captured in briefing papers alone, from workforce dynamics to seasonal pressures and environmental challenges. These first-hand experiences help ensure that future policy decisions are better informed and more responsive to the realities of our industry. What This Means for Texas Landscapes Native Texas Nursery stands as a vibrant example of how a business can grow with, and for, the market. Its presence since 1987 shows a continuous commitment to quality, innovation, and people. Whether preparing for weather extremes, supporting skilled workers, or supplying diverse plant material that enhances urban and rural landscapes alike, Native’s model reflects what the nursery and landscape industry aspires to be.
This week, from Monday through Wednesday, TNLA was in Washington, D.C. as part of AmericanHort’s Impact Washington Fly-In. Texas brought one of the largest state delegations in the country to advocate and educate our U.S. Senators and Representatives. Nine TNLA members participated alongside more than 120 advocates from across the nation. These fly-ins are always fast and frantic, as we zigzag across Capitol Hill to meet with as many legislators and staff as possible. But they are also one of the most important ways we make sure the voice of the Texas green industry is heard in our nation’s capital. Key Issues We RaisedWorkforce & Labor (H-2A & H-2B) Our industry depends on seasonal and year-round workers to grow, install, and maintain landscapes. The H-2A and H-2B visa programs are vital, but both need reform. We called on Congress to expand access, streamline applications, and modernize wage calculations so that businesses can meet labor needs while keeping costs predictable. Without these improvements, growers and landscape businesses face growing shortages that threaten their ability to operate. Tariffs, Trade & Supply Chain Tariffs on key horticulture inputs are driving up costs across the board. Many of these products cannot be produced anywhere in the U.S.—leaving green industy businesses no alternatives. We urged Congress to support a transparent and functional exclusion process so businesses can reliably access the inputs they need without being burdened by unfair costs. Farm Bill The Farm Bill expires on October 1, 2025. While it’s a cornerstone for agriculture, too often specialty crops and horticulture are left out. Current programs lock our industry out of crop insurance and other protections. We pushed for a bipartisan Farm Bill that reflects the realities of horticulture, ensuring access to risk management tools and expanding support for nursery, greenhouse, and landscape operations. Why It MattersFrom labor shortages to supply chain costs to ensuring our growers have a safety net, these policies directly affect the health and competitiveness of Texas’ horticulture industry. Trips like this Fly-In show how TNLA is actively fighting for our members’ businesses—from Washington, D.C. to back home in Texas. Questions?Contact Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3851 or Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Karan Mehta by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3874
Texas Congressional Update: Redistricting & Green Industry ChampionsThe proposed overhaul of Texas’ congressional map—pushed by President Donald Trump—is designed to give the GOP five additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. While the newly drafted lines would likely deliver some Republican pickups, an analysis of the redistricting plan suggests that a full five-seat gain is far from guaranteed.
These changes, based on 2020 census data, could help solidify Republican control in up to 30 of Texas’ 38 congressional districts—a significant shift with long-term implications for the green industry’s federal priorities. 🔄 Key Districts to Watch Two South Texas districts remain highly competitive—and one carries particular importance for TNLA: 👉 Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28, Laredo) 👉 Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34, McAllen) Both represent districts that leaned Republican in the last presidential election, yet they successfully held onto their seats. The new map makes each district slightly more conservative—a calculated gamble banking on continued GOP gains among Hispanic voters. For TNLA, Congressman Cuellar is a critical ally. He has been one of the most consistent and vocal champions of the H-2A and H-2B guest worker programs, which are essential to the nursery and landscape industry. His leadership has helped secure program stability, visa processing improvements, and continued momentum toward year-round labor solutions. 🗳️ As redistricting reshapes the political landscape, TNLA is watching closely—not just for shifts in party control, but for how these changes could impact federal advocacy for the green industry. 🔵 Other Competitive Districts Several Democratic-held urban and suburban districts could also become heavily Republican—under the proposed map. These include: • TX-9 – Rep. Al Green (Houston) • TX-32 – Rep. Julie Johnson (Dallas suburbs) • TX-35 – Rep. Greg Casar (San Antonio to Austin) If adopted, these changes could turn currently blue districts into strong-performing Republican seats, further reshaping the state’s congressional delegation. 🧠 Why This Matters to TNLA Members Programs like H-2A and H-2B are the backbone of a reliable workforce for TNLA members. Continued engagement with trusted allies like Rep. Cuellar ensures our industry’s needs are front and center in Washington. Your voice—and your vote—matter. They help protect essential workforce programs and ensure support for pro-industry champions in the 2026 election cycle. Stay tuned for more updates as TNLA continues to monitor congressional developments and advocate on your behalf. We’ve heard your feedback--webinars are in high demand. More and more TNLA members have asked for access to past sessions, and we’re happy to say: they’re now available on-demand.
Whether you missed a session or want to revisit one with your team, you can now log in at your convenience and gain valuable insights from top experts in the green industry. Simply visit: https://www.pathlms.com/tnla/courses/40432 Use your TNLA Member ID to log in. Need help? Contact: [email protected] ✅ Available Webinars: 💼 Financial Literacy – What You Need to Know! Speaker: Lyndi Sanders Learn how to build a strong business plan, manage essential financial documents, and work with lenders to grow your ag business. 👉 Watch Now 🌎 Know the Facts: H-2A and H-2B Guest Worker Programs Speaker: Arnulfo Hinojosa, Federation of Employers & Workers of America Understand compliance requirements, worker recruitment, and what’s happening with reform efforts in D.C. 👉 Watch Now 🔐 Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits Speaker: Jacob Monty, Monty & Ramirez LLP Covers identity theft, SSA no-match letters, and compliance steps to avoid costly penalties. 👉 Watch Now 🌪️ Federal Crop Insurance – Hurricane & Tropical Storm Coverage Speaker: Jeff Vanlandingham, Tarpon Blue Insurance Advisors Get the facts on how indemnities are paid, policy timing, and how NOAA data affects payout eligibility. 👉 Watch Now We know how important it is to stay informed, especially when time is limited. These webinars are designed to deliver value--no matter your role in the green industry. 📅 More webinars are on the way—so stay tuned, and thank you for continuing to grow with TNLA. In this quick video update, we share how TNLA is investing in the next generation of green industry professionals—from hands-on programs to strategic partnerships. Discover how these initiatives are helping our members recruit, retain, and inspire a skilled workforce.
On April 2, 2025, new U.S. trade measures were announced that represent a major shift in federal tariff policy—with broad implications for the horticulture and landscape industries.
Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick refresher: What Is a Tariff? A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. It’s designed to make foreign products more expensive, either to encourage consumers to buy domestically or to apply pressure in trade negotiations. Example: If your business imports $100,000 worth of garden tools from Italy and a 10% tariff applies, you would owe $10,000 in duties—bringing the total cost to $110,000. Who Pays for Tariffs?While tariffs are technically paid by importers at the border, the costs often get passed down the supply chain:
Key Changes TNLA Members Should Know 🔹 10% Blanket Tariff on All Imports Effective April 5, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the U.S., regardless of country of origin. This is one of the most sweeping tariff measures in recent history. 🔹 Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 9A second round of tariffs will target goods from countries that impose barriers on U.S. exports. These “reciprocal” tariffs will vary by country and industry. Exemptions include:
🔹 Canada & Mexico Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:
🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:
This change will significantly impact small package imports and e-commerce. 🔹 Auto & Auto Parts Tariffs A 25% tariff on imported cars takes effect April 3, 2025. A separate tariff on imported auto parts will follow no later than May 3, 2025. Parts that meet USMCA requirements are initially excluded. However, the Commerce Department will soon introduce a system to assess which components count as “non-U.S.” for tariff purposes. What TNLA Members Should Do Now If your business relies on imported goods—such as pots, fertilizer, hand tools, or machinery—it’s important to take proactive steps:
Why Labor Access Matters More Than Ever These new tariffs will likely increase your cost of doing business. That’s why labor policy must be part of the conversation. A reliable, legal workforce—especially through programs like H-2A and H-2B—is critical to absorbing financial pressure and staying competitive. Tariffs and workforce access go hand in hand. In a more expensive global marketplace, stability and productivity at home are non-negotiable. TNLA will continue to monitor these changes and advocate for solutions that protect and support your business. Stay tuned for updates. |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
February 2026
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