Last week, TNLA hosted a webinar with Jeremy Mazur, one of Texas’ leading voices on water policy, to examine how Proposition 4 and other statewide initiatives could shape the future of our state’s water supply, conservation, and infrastructure. Proposition 4—on the ballot this November—would dedicate $1 billion per year from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund producing up to $20 billion of new funding over the next 20 years.

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Jeremy emphasized that while new funding tools are essential, Texas’ long-term water security will ultimately depend on sustained infrastructure investment and close collaboration among utilities, landscapers, growers, and irrigators. He highlighted the role TNLA members already play in leading the way—designing sustainable landscapes, advancing efficient irrigation practices, and advocating for balanced policies that promote both conservation and customer choice.
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 📺 Watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/lq-BuOC35qY
🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv6buk 

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.
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Stay tuned for updates.

As the legislative session moves forward, several bills have been introduced that could have a direct impact on the nursery and landscape industry in Texas. From tax exemptions on agricultural inputs to water conservation policies and HOA regulations, these proposals could shape the way our industry operates for years to come.
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Below is a list of key bills that TNLA is monitoring—if any of these affect your business, please reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or insights. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to advocate for policies that support the Texas Green Industry.
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Tax Relief for Agricultural Inputs
HB 255 / HJR 31 by Rep. Guillen

• This bill would exempt agricultural inputs from the inventory tax, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other resources essential for plant production.
• A major win for growers and producers, helping lower costs and support agricultural businesses.

Right to Farm Protections
HB 1964 by Spiller & SB 1035 by Sparks

• Provides attorney fee provisions under the Right to Farm statute, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can recover legal costs when forced to challenge city regulations that threaten their livelihood.
• Strengthens legal protections for agricultural producers facing unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Landscaping & Water Conservation
HB 1424 by Rep. Goodwin

• Allows municipal water utilities to implement tiered pricing structures to encourage conservation, with excessive users paying higher rates.
• This could impact large-scale landscaping and irrigation costs.

HB 1245 by Rep. Goodwin

• Would require utilities to prohibit irrigation of commercial nonfunctional turf during drought conditions and enforce penalties for violations.
• Introduces new definitions for “functional” and “nonfunctional turf,” which could have broad implications for commercial and residential landscapes.

HB 2269 by Rep. Isaac

• Prohibits homeowners’ associations (HOAs) from requiring homeowners to install or maintain grass or turf landscaping.

SB 542 by Sen. Schwertner (Companion Bills: Rep. Harris-Davilla & Rep. Goodwin)

• Prohibits HOAs from fining homeowners if their lawns become brown or discolored due to local utility restrictions.
• Protects homeowners from unfair penalties while supporting water conservation efforts.

E-Verify Mandates for Government Contracts
HB 323 (Spiller), HB 1019 (Shaheen), HB 1308 (Tepper), HB 1488 (Louderback), HB 2744 (Vasut), SB 324 (Kolkhorst)

• Multiple bills have been filed requiring all governmental entities in Texas to use E-Verify for their employees and those they contract with.

Compost Use in TxDOT Projects
SB 736 by Sen. Menéndez

• Requires TxDOT to use at least 25% compost in its projects, standardizing a practice that some districts already follow.
• This could increase demand for compost production and recycling within the industry.

Environmental Regulations
HB 1637 by Rep. Hull

• Prohibits the use of herbicides containing glyphosate on the grounds of public or private schools, with an exception for crops grown as part of a curriculum.
• Could impact how landscapers and groundskeepers manage vegetation on school properties.

HB 3054 by Rep. Briscoe Cain

• Prohibits governmental entities, including state agencies, counties, and cities and more, from planting trees that are not native to any part of Texas.
• Texas A&M AgriLife would be responsible for creating a list of trees considered native to the state.
• This could significantly impact municipal landscaping projects and tree selection in public spaces.

Additional Bills to Watch
HJR 97 & HB 1370 (Rep. Raymond) – Proposes a constitutional amendment for property tax exemptions on xeriscaped land to promote water conservation.
HB 1592 (Rep. Plesa) – A refiled TNLA-supported bill that would require AgriLife to establish a statewide alert system for dangerous plants, pests, and diseases.

Get Involved – Your Voice Matters!
As these bills progress, TNLA needs to hear from you! If any of these proposals impact your business, please share your questions, concerns, or insights with us. Member input helps shape our advocacy efforts and ensures we are fighting for policies that support the industry.

Reach out to me at [email protected] to discuss how these legislative efforts might affect your business.
Let’s work together to protect and strengthen the Texas Green Industry!

The green industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of key challenges is essential for success. TNLA is offering a series of expert-led webinars covering critical topics—from federal crop insurance to AI-driven hiring and immigration compliance. These free webinars provide actionable insights to help you navigate industry changes and protect your business in 2025.

February 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jeffrey VanLandingham, Tarpon Blue Insurance Advisors
🔗 Click here to join
A new federal crop insurance program is expanding coverage options for nursery growers. This session will provide clarity on eligibility, benefits, and how to leverage federal resources.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Expanded coverage options & higher-value protection for nursery growers
✔ How an FSA relationship can qualify growers for federal program dollars
✔ The difference between standard nursery plant insurance and federally subsidized crop insurance

leader​March 6, 2025 | 12:30 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jack Jostes, Ramblin Jackson
🔗 Register Here
Finding & keeping quality employees is one of the biggest hiring challenges in the green industry. Learn how AI-driven strategies can help streamline hiring, improve job descriptions, and attract the right talent.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ How AI can write job descriptions that attract top candidates
✔ AI tools to pre-screen applicants and improve hiring efficiency
✔ Strategies to boost employee retention & engagement
✔ Step-by-step ways to integrate AI into your recruiting process

March 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jacob Monty, Monty & Ramirez, LLP Attorneys at Law
🔗 Register Here
With immigration enforcement policies rapidly evolving, Texas businesses—especially those in landscaping & agriculture—are facing new compliance challenges. Learn how to protect your business and avoid costly legal missteps.

Discussion Points:
✔ Understanding ICE Enforcement Actions – The difference between I-9 audits, targeted arrests, and worksite enforcement
✔ Preparing for ICE Audits – Steps to ensure your business is compliant before an inspection
✔ Conducting Internal I-9 Audits – How to identify and correct compliance issues before ICE does
✔ Addressing Employee Concerns – Best practices for clear communication & managing misinformation


Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Today!These FREE webinars are designed to help TNLA members, and space is limited. Reserve your seat now and gain insights that will help your business thrive in 2025
Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins at [email protected] 

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

Debate Over H-1B Visas Heats Up During the Holidays
A spirited debate over high-skilled immigration policies, particularly the H-1B visa program, recently took center stage within the Republican Party on Twitter. Tech leaders, such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have advocated for easing restrictions to boost economic competitiveness, while MAGA-aligned conservatives have pushed for stricter immigration policies. This clash highlights broader questions about high-skilled immigration’s role in America’s economy and cultural identity.
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For the nursery and landscape industry, these discussions are highly relevant, as they may signal future changes to programs like H-2A and H-2B, which are essential for meeting seasonal labor needs. Although the impact of this debate on these programs is still uncertain, TNLA will closely monitor the situation and continue advocating for policies that address our industry's workforce requirements.

​In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, TNLA's Kim Cabrera, Membership & Marketing Manager, sat down with Carmelo Orellano with Estructura LLC to talk about his journey within the Industry, overcoming challenges as a first-time business owner, and his invaluable connections through TNLA.

Last week, the Ellison Chair Advisory Committee, led by Dr. Charlie Hall of Texas A&M University, convened in College Station, TX, to further discussions on the long-term Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative, which was introduced last year. Over 20 speakers contributed, emphasizing the crucial role that plants and nature play in recovery settings, hospitals, child development, and inspiring future careers in the green industry.

The committee had the unique opportunity to meet with Grammy-nominated musician Lynn Vartan, Associate Professor of Music-Percussion at the College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts. Vartan, collaborating with other Texas A&M experts, is exploring how music and dance can be incorporated into garden spaces to enhance both human experiences and plant growth.

The committee aims to apply this research to the Texas Green Industry, helping businesses develop long-term strategies to meet the growing demand for stress relief and recovery through nature.
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Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to shape a greener, healthier future.