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Congress is currently working on the next Farm Bill, and decisions being made right now will directly impact Texas nursery and landscape businesses. TNLA members are encouraged to take five minutes to contact their Members of Congress and urge support for the Farm Bill and its specialty crop provisions. Just last month, TNLA provided a full breakdown of the Farm Bill and what it means for horticulture and specialty crops. Now, as the bill moves forward in Congress, it’s time to take action. Lawmakers need to hear directly from the businesses affected by these policies. Your voice helps ensure the green industry is represented as this legislation moves forward. The Background: Why the Farm Bill Matters The Farm Bill is the primary piece of legislation that shapes federal agricultural policy in the United States. While it is often associated with traditional row crops, the Farm Bill has become increasingly important for specialty crops, including nursery and greenhouse production, as well as the broader green industry. It has been nearly a decade since Congress passed a full Farm Bill. During that time, the industry has operated under short-term extensions while facing historic challenges, including freezes, drought, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs. The current proposal, known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, represents the first major opportunity in years to update policies that directly affect our industry. How It Affects the Green Industry The Farm Bill includes several provisions that impact the green industry supply chain: from growers to landscapers to suppliers. Stronger Risk Management Tools Improvements to specialty crop insurance help address long-standing gaps compared to traditional agriculture, providing better protection against weather-related losses. Improved Disaster Assistance Updates to programs like the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) improve how quickly and effectively growers can recover from losses, with added flexibility for replanting. A Permanent Emergency Assistance Framework The bill establishes a standing framework for specialty crop disaster assistance, providing more predictability instead of relying on ad hoc relief. Water & Conservation Programs Expanded conservation programs support irrigation efficiency and water stewardship, helping offset costs for implementing water-saving practices. Research, Grants & Innovation Farm Bill funding supports research, extension services, and grant programs that improve pest management, develop resilient plant varieties, advance automation, and expand market opportunities. In Texas, many of these programs are delivered through university and extension partnerships that directly impact day-to-day operations for green industry businesses. Why This Matters Now The green industry plays a significant role in Texas’s economy, but it faces unique challenges that require policies tailored to specialty crops. This Farm Bill represents meaningful progress in addressing those needs: strengthening risk management, improving disaster response, supporting water efficiency, and investing in long-term innovation. As Congress continues to debate the legislation, it is important that policymakers understand the role and needs of our industry. TNLA Working for You The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is actively engaged in monitoring the Farm Bill and advocating for policies that support specialty crops and the green industry. Through coordination with national partners and direct engagement with policymakers, TNLA is working to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Bottom Line The Farm Bill is a critical opportunity to strengthen the long-term stability and competitiveness of the green industry. But advocacy matters. Your participation helps ensure the green industry is represented in federal policy decisions that affect our future.
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Aug 28, 2025 Location: Fort Bend ISD RSVP/Info: https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/module/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=761 Short and simple: show up, say hello, and be seen.
Sept 18, 2025TNLA Region VIII Meeting – Waco, TX Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Border Magic – 2324 Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706 Cost: Free | Parking: Free Join us for our first TNLA Region VIII Meeting in Waco since COVID! This free event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow green industry professionals, share ideas, and gain valuable insights on building and strengthening your team. Our featured speaker, Michael Bosco, Executive Coach with McFarlin Stanford, Committee Chairperson, and Vice President of the Texas Pest Control Association, will present on Hiring, Recruiting & Onboarding New Team Members. Light refreshments will be provided, and we’ll have door prizes to make the evening even more fun. RSVP by September 18 to Maren Davis at [email protected]. Sept 23, 2025Please join us for the TNLA Region II Meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 5:30–8:00 PM at Houston Community College – Katy Campus. Agenda at a glance
Questions? Contact Jenni Saucier at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there. TEIL Awards — Applications Now Open (Deadline Sept 29)Showcase your best work and earn statewide recognition. The Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards are open now, with a deadline of September 29, 2025. Winners will be honored in January 2026 at the TNLA Awards Festival. Why apply
Questions? Contact [email protected] Oct 3-5, 2025 TNLA and Region VI are partnering up to conduct the West Texas Workshop on October 2-3, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Schedule of events and pricing information coming soon. Sponsorships are available. For Questions Contact Remmington Holt at [email protected] or call (806) 477-2605.
Texas Garden Retailer Awards — Applications Now Open (Deadline Oct 5)Recognize your team, elevate your brand, and put your best work in front of the statewide industry. The Texas Garden Retailer Awards (TGRA) are officially open—and the entry is quick and straightforward. Why enter
How to enter (takes about 20–30 minutes)
Brochure: Texas Garden Retailer Awards 2025 Brochure Quick tips from the judges’ perspective
Help Us Represent TNLA: Volunteer, Sponsor & Swing-By OpportunitiesTNLA is partnering with Texas programs to strengthen our talent pipeline and connect members with tomorrow’s workforce. We’re calling for volunteers to represent TNLA on-site and sponsors who’d like visibility with students, faculty, and industry partners. (Sponsors may plug their companies—logo on materials, brief intro, and swag—per host guidelines.) Oct 8-10 2025 Texas Tech Industry, Research & Innovation Summit (IRIS) — Lubbock Dates: Oct 8–10, 2025 • Venue: Texas Tech International Cultural Center Why attend: Three focused days where industry meets academia—recruit talent, judge research, mentor student teams, and build partnerships. What’s happening
How you can help
Bonus: Stay for the excitement--Homecoming vs. Kansas on Oct 11. Questions? Email Jeremiah Armstrong at [email protected] with subject “IRIS – Volunteer/Sponsor” and note your availability and company name. Oct 29, 2025Texas A&M Horticultural Sciences Career Fair — College StationDate/Time: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Location: Horticulture & Forest Science Building, Texas A&M University (Optional networking the evening before: Tue, Oct 28, 6:00–8:00 PM.) Why attend: Meet motivated students across nursery, landscape, wine, produce, floriculture, and related sectors; promote your company and open roles. How you can help
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
April 2026
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