A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. 

The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. 

One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. 

Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. ​

The Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. 

Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. 

The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. 

This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. 
​
For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. ​

For TNLA members, success would mean: 

• More workforce certainty for seasonal employers 

• Better project planning and scheduling 

• Reduced operational disruptions during peak seasons 

• Greater ability to retain and hire year-round American workers 

• Continued support for Texas’ growing economy and infrastructure needs 

Most importantly, members wanted policymakers to hear directly from businesses experiencing these workforce challenges every day. 

​TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. ​

From TNLA’s perspective, the biggest themes are water supply and supporting Texas agriculture, but the interim charges extend well beyond those issues. They also address insurance affordability, property tax relief, local government fees, workforce transportation, housing growth, permitting timelines, and the overall competitiveness of Texas agriculture and small businesses.

Taken together, these charges examine many of the core factors that determine how easy or difficult it is to operate a green industry business in Texas, from access to water and labor to the cost of trucks, insurance, land, and local permits.
​
Two House committees stand out as especially important for our members.

House Agriculture & Livestock includes meaningful charges on invasive species, Texas Department of Agriculture authority, agricultural resiliency, and expanding markets for Texas-grown products. These discussions could directly affect plant health response, quarantine processes, specialty crop competitiveness, and the visibility of Texas-grown nursery and landscape products.

House Natural Resources may be the most significant committee for the green industry this interim. Charges on groundwater management, new water supply strategies, brackish groundwater, data center water use, and regional water planning all go directly to long-term water availability and allocation. These discussions will influence how Texas balances growth, agriculture, urban water needs, and future supply development.

On the Senate side, we are also closely tracking charges related to data center water demand, utility revenue transfers, desalination, insurance affordability, local fee transparency, and CDL standards. Each of these has real implications for project timelines, business costs, labor flexibility, and long-term water affordability.

Our advocacy team will be actively monitoring hearings, identifying opportunities for committee feedback and testimony, and ensuring the voice of Texas nurseries, landscape professionals, irrigators, and allied businesses is part of these conversations.

The interim is where many of the biggest ideas for the next session begin to take shape, and we believe the 2026 cycle could be especially consequential for water policy, Texas agriculture, and the overall business climate for the green industry.

We will continue to keep you updated as these hearings develop.

Each year, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders from across the Texas green industry to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters most: people, leadership, and the future of our businesses.
​
This year’s Forum did exactly that — through honest conversations, practical learning, and moments that reminded us why this community matters.

​Day One focused on real-world challenges and tools leaders can take back to their teams right away

We kicked off Day One with a familiar and trusted voice. Charlie Hall, a long-time Lone Star Hort Forum contributor, returned with his annual economic forecast — helping attendees better understand where the industry stands and how to plan for the year ahead with clarity and realism.

​From there, the day moved into sessions that resonated deeply with attendees because they addressed real challenges leaders are navigating right now:

• Practical applications of AI that can actually be used in daily operations
• Workplace safety and preparedness in today’s environment
• Leadership mindset and decision-making under pressure

These sessions weren’t about theory — they were about tools, perspective, and making better decisions back at the office.

​One of the most impactful conversations of Day One took place during the Women in Horticulture session, which focused on how internal triggers affect leadership, communication, and workplace dynamics.

The session explored a simple but powerful concept: our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our actions — and ultimately our results.

Attendees walked away with practical strategies to:

• Recognize triggers before situations escalate
• Pause and reflect in high-pressure moments
• Approach difficult conversations with curiosity rather than fear
• Lead with greater composure, empathy, and confidence

​It was a thoughtful conversation that extended well beyond the room and reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership at every level.
​
Live Podcast Recordings — Now Available
Throughout the day, several live podcast conversations were recorded on-site and are now available to listen to at no cost:

• H-2B Updates with Jacob Monty
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=Mk519uW5FLG
• Economic Forecast
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=laGLyc8qTK2
• Top Tips for Talent
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=qzEpeIxwuW9
• D.E.E.D. to Success
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=RDL6kt3jC2m
• How the Green Industry Can Embrace the Unknown
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=wnElnSqgu83
• Employers’ Biggest Legal Mistakes
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=3npGgcMoSJx

Day Two began with the TNLA Awards Festival, where the community came together to recognize peers, celebrate excellence, and honor those who have helped move the industry forward.

​This year’s Festival carried special meaning as we honored Jim Reaves, a former TNLA staff member who passed away in August. Jim was posthumously awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership, recognizing his lasting contributions and the impact he made on the Association and the people within it.

​Several award programs introduced meaningful updates in 2026:

This year marked the introduction of a secret shopper component, adding a new layer of insight and accountability to the judging process and reinforcing the importance of customer experience at every touchpoint.

View all TGRA award winners HERE

The TEIL program continued to evolve, with judges noting a strong field of submissions that showcased:

• Higher-quality storytelling
• Clear before-and-after transformations
• Greater insight into design intent, execution, and results

These updates strengthened the integrity of the program and highlighted the craftsmanship and professionalism across the industry.

​View all TEIL award winners HERE

In the afternoon, attendees headed out on the Industry Tour and the Emerge Tours.

These tours offered behind-the-scenes looks at real operations and real conversations, the kind that don’t happen in a classroom. Discussions on the bus, on-site, and face-to-face allowed participants to learn directly from peers about how they’re solving challenges and running successful businesses.
​
A sincere thank you to our tour stop hosts for opening your doors and sharing your time and insight with our members.

​The Forum concluded with the graduation of TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V, a milestone that represents months of learning, reflection, and personal growth.

​Leadership Bootcamp is about more than professional development, it’s about building self-aware, confident leaders who are prepared to guide teams, navigate change, and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
​
We are proud of this class and grateful for the perspective and energy they bring to the Texas green industry.

​The Forum closed with a forward-looking keynote, “Smarter, Faster, Stronger: How AI Can Future-Proof Your Nursery & Landscape Business,” reinforcing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and thoughtful adoption of new tools.

Lone Star Hort Forum isn’t about checking a box or attending another event. It’s about creating space — space to listen, reflect, learn from peers, and reconnect with why we do this work.

Seeing the community show up for one another — in conversations, in recognition, and in shared experiences — is always why we do what we do.
​
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Lone Star Hort Forum 2026 meaningful.

On December 31, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced plans to make 35,000 additional H-2B visas available for fiscal year 2026, on top of the 66,000 visas already authorized by Congress each year. The agencies have indicated these supplemental visas will be released through a temporary final rule, with details expected in the coming weeks.

This is welcome news for seasonal employers, but it’s important for TNLA members to understand both what this announcement does and does not address.

The Administration confirmed it will use its congressionally granted authority for FY 2026 to release the 35,000 supplemental visas. That number is significantly lower than in recent years, representing roughly a 50 percent reduction compared to the supplemental visas made available in fiscal years 2023 through 2025. The Administration has also indicated that these visas will be targeted toward what it considers critical infrastructure sectors, including forestry, hospitality, tourism, transportation, manufacturing, and related industries. Many green industry businesses could fall within or support these sectors, but the exact eligibility requirements, filing timelines, and worker restrictions have not yet been released. Those details will come once the temporary final rule is published.

Even with this announcement, the H-2B program remains heavily oversubscribed. The first-half cap for fiscal year 2026 was reached on September 12, and the second-half cap is expected to be reached quickly. Without a timely release of the supplemental visas and potentially further action by Congress, many seasonal employers will continue to face workforce shortages that directly affect their ability to operate.

As TNLA has outlined in its advocacy efforts, the H-2B program is already costly and highly regulated. Employers must recruit U.S. workers, pay premium wages, secure approvals from multiple federal agencies, and comply with strict program requirements. The workers themselves are temporary and seasonal, and they return home at the end of the season. They are not immigrants. For many businesses, access to H-2B labor is what allows them to meet peak demand, keep year-round American employees working, and avoid turning down work or cutting services.

For the green industry, lack of access to H-2B labor often means delayed projects, reduced services, higher costs, and lost contracts. Research shows that each additional H-2B worker supports multiple full-time U.S. jobs, including supervisors, drivers, logistics staff, and administrative employees. When labor shortages persist, businesses are forced to scale back operations, putting American jobs at risk and increasing costs for customers.

TNLA continues to press both the Administration and Congress to move quickly. This includes urging the Administration to promptly issue the temporary final rule allocating supplemental visas for FY 2026, encouraging Congress to retain seasonal employer protections in the FY 2026 DHS appropriations process, and continuing to push for longer-term cap relief that provides predictability and stability for responsible employers.

We are actively using these points on Capitol Hill and in ongoing conversations with federal agencies to advocate for the full scope of the green industry. As more details become available, TNLA will continue sharing updates and practical guidance so members are prepared to act.

Link to press release HERE

Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team 
Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] 

Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected] ​

​At TNLA, we’re focused on more than the challenges of today — we’re building the workforce of tomorrow. One of the ways we’re doing that is by connecting directly with Texas Education Agency (TEA) Regional Service Centers across the state.

Every year, thousands of students participate in agricultural science and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, yet many have never considered a career in the green industry. By working directly with TEA regions, TNLA is making sure horticulture, landscaping, and nursery careers are part of the conversation early on — while students are still deciding their futures.
​
These partnerships help teachers connect classroom learning to real-world skills and introduce students to the rewarding, hands-on work our industry offers.

Over the past several months, TNLA has met with multiple TEA regions to:

• Build relationships with regional directors and CTE coordinators
• Identify shared goals that link education and workforce development
• Develop ways for students to experience the green industry firsthand — through career events, classroom visits, and site tours

​Each TEA region supports schools and teachers preparing the next generation of professionals. By collaborating with them, TNLA is ensuring our industry stays visible and accessible to tomorrow’s workforce.

This initiative isn’t just about outreach — it’s about opportunity. Our members are the face of the industry, and your participation can make a lasting impact.

Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
🌱 Join a Regional Advisory Committee: Share your business perspective and help shape local programs.
🌿 Volunteer for Classroom Visits: Talk to students about your career path and what you love about this work.
🌾 Host a Field Trip: Let students see what goes on behind the scenes at your nursery, landscape operation, or garden center.

Below, you’ll find a map and contact list for all TEA regions. Reach out to your local region and start the conversation — TNLA is here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we’re not just growing plants — we’re growing the future of our industry.

On June 11, TNLA’s Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith, joined a coalition of chambers of commerce, trade associations, and directly impacted individuals in Austin for a roundtable hosted by FWD.us and the Texas Association of Business, marking the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

Moderated by Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Business, the event brought together Texas business leaders to underscore a shared message: DACA recipients are vital to our workforce—and our future.

“I have seen firsthand how DACA recipients strengthen our workforce every day,” said Curtis Smith. “They are critical to keeping our industries competitive, and we need policies that reflect their value to our state and our economy.”

📉 The Threat of Losing DACA Protections Is Real—and Costly
Participants heard testimony from Edilsa Lopez, an Austin-based DACA recipient and accountant, as well as updates from FWD.us policy staff on the current legal and political landscape surrounding DACA. The event highlighted the widespread economic risk posed by ending the program.

Key data shared at the roundtable included:

• 70,000 DACA recipients in Texas could be forced out of the workforce
• 34,000 additional jobs would disappear if DACA-owned businesses closed
• $37 billion in projected economic losses to Texas
• $782 million in annual lost revenue for state and local governments
• $227 million in annual business income losses

🧾 Additional Background: The DACA Policy Legal Landscape
The legal future of DACA remains uncertain—especially for Texas.
As of now, the Texas v. United States DACA case is returning to Judge Hanen, following no petitions being filed to escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court by the May 19 deadline. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals instructed Judge Hanen to revise his prior ruling.

Here's what that means:

• DACA work authorization is considered unlawful in Texas only.
• Texas DACA recipients retain deportation protection but could lose their right to work.
• In the other 49 states, full DACA benefits remain intact, including the ability to work.
• DACA renewals are still permitted in all 50 states, but initial applications remain frozen nationwide.
• Judge Hanen must now determine how Texas transitions from full to partial DACA benefits.

For now, the status quo remains—but changes could be imminent, especially for the Texas-based workforce.

🌱 Why This Matters to the Green Industry
The Texas nursery and landscape industry already faces a growing labor shortage. DACA recipients have become essential contributors—whether on farms, in nurseries, or running their own businesses.

At TNLA, we continue to push for practical, bipartisan workforce policies that reflect the current needs of our members and the economic realities of doing business in Texas.
​
Have questions about DACA, TNLA’s workforce advocacy, or how this could impact your business?
📩 Reach out to Curtis Smith at [email protected]

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:

• Importers may raise prices to offset the cost
• Distributors and retailers may adjust pricing
• Ultimately, consumers and other businesses feel the impact

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:

• Items under national emergency provisions (50 U.S.C. 1702(b))
• Steel, aluminum, and autos already under Section 232
• Copper, lumber, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals
• Energy and critical minerals not produced in the U.S.
• Bullion (precious metals)

These tariffs will remain until the administration determines that U.S. trade imbalances and unfair practices have been addressed.

🔹 Canada & Mexico
Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:

• USMCA-compliant goods: 0% tariff
• Non-USMCA-compliant goods: 25% tariff
• Non-USMCA energy and potash: 10% tariff

If these orders are lifted in the future, non-USMCA goods will be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong
The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:

• May 2, 2025: $25 or 30% per item (whichever is higher)
• June 1, 2025: $50 per item

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:

• Review your supply chains
• Talk with vendors about possible alternatives
• Evaluate potential cost increases
• Watch for evolving updates

While some of these tariffs may be temporary, the financial impact could be long-lasting.

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.