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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
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On June 30, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) introduced a bipartisan bill that would deliver the first statutory reform to the H-2A visa program since it was created under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. That's 40 years without an update to a program that green industry employers across Texas increasingly depend on. Chairman Thompson didn't mince words when he introduced the bill: "Congress has not updated the H-2A visa program since Ronald Reagan was president of the United States, and if you ask anyone who used the program, they'll say that you can tell." He's right and TNLA members who have wrestled with H-2A's paperwork, unpredictable wage rules, and rigid seasonal limits know it firsthand. Why This Bill Matters to TNLA Members The bill directly addresses several of the pain points our growers face every season. And while the most direct impact falls on them, a more stable H-2A program affects the entire green industry supply chain, from the retail nurseries selling what's grown to the suppliers who serve every business in between.
Even TNLA members who don't directly hire H-2A workers feel the impact of labor instability upstream. When growers can't staff up reliably, it means fewer plants on retail shelves, delayed installs, and softer demand for everything suppliers provide. A more predictable, workable H-2A program strengthens the entire Texas green industry pipeline, not just the businesses using the visas directly. Simply put: this is the most significant attempt in a generation to modernize a labor program that has an outsized impact on our entire industry and that you continue to see are being pushed toward as workforce shortages continue to squeeze the Texas green industry. Take Action Today Legislation this significant only moves with a full chorus of industry voices behind it. TNLA needs you to tell your member of Congress that H-2A reform can't wait another 40 years, whether your business grows it, installs it, sells it, or supplies it. Visit TNLA's Action Center on VoterVoice to send a message to your representative urging them to support and cosponsor H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act: 👉 www.votervoice.net/TNLA/Home It takes less than five minutes — VoterVoice will identify your congressman based on your address and let you send a pre-drafted (and fully editable) message directly to their office. The more Texas green industry voices Congress hears, the stronger the case for getting this bill across the finish line. As always, TNLA will keep members updated as this legislation moves in Congress. If you have questions about how this bill could affect your operation, reach out to TNLA's advocacy team.
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How the Right Connection Can Help You Solve Problems Faster When people think about attending a tradeshow, they often focus on the education sessions, exhibits, or products on the show floor. Those things matter. But ask long-time industry professionals why they keep coming back to Nursery/Landscape EXPO, and you’ll often hear a different answer: The people For Billy Long, Past TNLA Chair and longtime industry leader, the value of EXPO comes down to relationships.
In an industry where businesses are working through labor challenges, supplier changes, rising costs, and day-to-day problem-solving, having the right people to call can make a real difference. Sometimes the answer isn’t found online. Sometimes it’s found in a conversation. Why It Matters The right connection can help you:
As Billy puts it: That is one of the reasons EXPO continues to matter. More Than Information. It’s Access. Information is easy to find. What is harder to find is context.
"The value isn’t just attending. The value is knowing who to call when you need help" The relationships built at EXPO often continue long after the show ends. Why Industry Professionals Keep Coming Back
As more growers focus on serving large retailers and national accounts, independent businesses often have to work harder to find unique products, new suppliers, and trusted partners. That’s one reason Mark continues to invest in EXPO. 
"We have probably increased our business with new growers, liner companies, and suppliers by about 80%" And while products and trends may change over time, one thing has not. As Mark puts it: “I go there to meet my people.” Simple. But powerful. Because business is still built on relationships. Join the Conversation The education, exhibits, and events are important parts of EXPO. But some of the most valuable takeaways may come from a conversation you didn’t expect to have.
Join us August 11–13 in San Antonio and discover the value of one conversation. Last week, TNLA traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside members of Texas’ green industry for the annual H-2B Fly-In. During the trip, TNLA members met directly with Congressional offices to discuss workforce challenges impacting green industry businesses across Texas. The conversations focused heavily on the seasonal H-2B VISA program. For many green industry businesses, these workers help keep projects on schedule during peak seasons while also supporting year-round American jobs within their companies. Why This Matters to Texas’ Green Industry Texas’ green industry continues to face significant workforce shortages, particularly during high-demand periods in the spring and summer. During our meetings in Washington, TNLA members had the opportunity to speak directly with Congressional staff about how these workforce challenges affect their businesses on a day-to-day basis. Members shared personal stories about trying to keep crews staffed during peak project seasons, balancing growing customer demand, and managing the uncertainty that comes with not knowing whether seasonal workers will arrive on time. Some discussed the pressure of meeting timelines for government and commercial contracts, while others explained how workforce shortages impact long-term business planning and growth. Several members also highlighted that dependable seasonal labor helps create opportunities for year-round American employees by allowing businesses to expand operations, invest in training, and move workers into higher-skilled positions over time.  One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was ensuring policymakers heard directly from employers experiencing these challenges firsthand. What Was Discussed in Washington 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. Where the Language StandsThe 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. What Success Looks Like For TNLA members, success would mean:
TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team 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.
We heard you. Members told us they were missing emails, getting too many updates, or finding it hard to track down what mattered most. You wanted one simple place where everything TNLA lives — news, tools, discussions, and networking. So we built it. 💡 Meet TNLA Hive, our brand-new online community for the Texas Green Industry. It’s like Facebook — but just for TNLA members and Green Industry professionals. Whether you’re a grower, landscaper, retailer, irrigation pro, or supplier, TNLA Hive is your digital home base to connect, learn, and stay informed 365 days a year. 💬 Why We Created TNLA Hive Our members are the heart of everything we do. Over the past few years, we’ve heard common feedback:
TNLA Hive brings all of that together — one login, one community, one easy-to-use platform. You can access Hive on your computer or through our mobile app, making it easy to check in no matter where you are — in the field, at the office, or on the road. What You’ll Find Inside TNLA HiveOnce you log in, you’ll see everything TNLA — all in one place: ⚖️ Legislative & Regulatory Updates — Stay informed on key issues like H-2A, water policy, and more. 🌿 Groups for Every Interest — Join spaces like Women in Horticulture, Leadership Bootcamp, Certification Professionals, and your Regional Chapter. 🎓 Education & CEUs — Access upcoming webinars, workshops, and professional development opportunities. 💼 Job Board — Find or post open positions in the Texas Green Industry. 📰 News & Blogs — Read the latest TNLA updates, member stories, and industry insights. It’s all right at your fingertips — no digging through emails or searching multiple pages How to Get StartedIt’s easy to join in! 1️⃣ Go to thehive.tnlaonline.org 2️⃣ Log in using your TNLA account (or create one if you’re new!) 3️⃣ Join a group, post a question, or introduce yourself in the Live Feed Prefer to use your phone? Download the TNLA Hive app from your app store. 📱 🎥 Need a little guidance? Watch our quick Youtube Tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to log in and get started. 👉 https://youtu.be/1Qsrx0D6Rck?si=hBMHTpBXE3uwYnr 🌻 A Community Built for You TNLA Hive was built to make it easier for you to connect, learn, and grow — all year long. Whether you want to discuss new irrigation technology, connect with other women in horticulture, or find your next great hire, Hive is the place to do it.
Because when we’re connected, our members — and our industry — grow stronger. 🌿 👉 Log in today: thehive.tnlaonline.or Couldn’t make it to the Innovation Summit this year? Good news — the recordings are now available, and you can still earn CEUs while learning how technology is reshaping the green industry. These sessions were designed to give you real takeaways you can bring back to your business today. Here’s a look at what you’ll find: Innovation in Sales & Promotions – What the Green Industry Needs NextThe message from participants was clear: businesses want better visibility into the technology market.
Customer Service Gets Smarter with Technology Speaker Eldar Causevic of Denali Green/Aspire Software shared how tech is changing customer service.
Services of the Future – Robotics, Lighting & Automation This session highlighted some of the most exciting advancements:
Bottom line: Companies that embrace automation and smart services now will set the standard for tomorrow. Driving Efficiencies – Smarter Tools for a Smarter Future Efficiency is the key to profitability, and participants explored new tools making a difference:
Key takeaway: The businesses that lean into multi-functional tech will see stronger ROI and be better prepared for workforce challenges. Watch On-Demand & Earn CEUs These recordings aren’t just inspiring — they’re practical. Each one offers actionable strategies and counts toward CEUs.
Water is the lifeline of our industry. Whether you’re a landscaper, grower, or irrigator, your ability to thrive depends on the reliability and rules of the system that supplies your water. Yet many Texans don’t know who their actual water purveyor is, or what authority sets the policies that affect their operations.
Understanding this is not just good business, it’s essential for protecting your livelihood and preparing for the future. Step 1: Identify Your Water Provider Your water can come from several types of sources: 🏙️City or Municipal Utility – Common in urban and suburban areas. These utilities often adopt drought contingency plans, watering restrictions, and rate structures that directly impact landscapes and irrigation. 🏢Private Provider or Investor-Owned Utility – Smaller systems that are still regulated but may have different policies and pricing structures. 🪣Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) – In many rural areas, a GCD manages groundwater pumping and permits. Districts were created at different times with different powers, so the rules vary greatly across Texas. TNLA supports GCDs being managed through locally elected boards rather than top-down mandates. 🗺️No District at All – In some areas, there is no conservation district, which can leave water users exposed to less oversight but also fewer protections for long-term supply. To find your provider, check your most recent water bill or your county’s water utility listings. For groundwater users, consult the Texas Water Development Board’s list of GCDs. Step 2: Learn Their Rules and Plans Once you know your purveyor, the next step is to understand the framework that governs them: 🚦Drought Contingency Plans – These dictate how and when watering restrictions are implemented. For example, a Stage 1 drought may limit outdoor watering to twice a week, while Stage 3 could ban it altogether, which could mean nurseries, growers, and landscapers could face severe impacts if not prepared. Click here for an example of Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan. 🏗️Infrastructure Investments – Many utilities are building new or expanding existing treatment plants, negotiating water supply contracts, or exploring aquifer storage. These projects will affect both reliability and cost. Step 3: Understand Regional Water Planning Texas is divided into 16 Regional Water Planning Groups. Every five years, these groups develop plans that feed into the State Water Plan. Each plan identifies future supply needs and strategies to meet them. If you’re in the green industry, you should know which region you’re in and review the plan.
Step 4: Know Your Source Different water sources bring different risks and rules: 🌊Surface Water (Rivers, Reservoirs) – Prone to drought shortages, often tied to large contracts with entities like the Brazos River Authority or Colorado River system. 💦Groundwater – Can be reliable, but subject to pumping limits or well spacing rules if a GCD is in place. 🔀Mixed Supply – Many cities now diversify, combining surface water contracts with groundwater leases. The source matters because conservation policies often reflect their vulnerability. For example, a city reliant on surface water may adopt tighter outdoor watering restrictions than one with strong groundwater supplies. Step 5: Put It into Practice Once you understand who your purveyor is, take these steps:
Final Thought Water policy in Texas is not one-size-fits-all. Districts were created at different times, under different laws, and with different powers. But no matter where you live or work, one fact is true: knowing your water purveyor and engaging with them gives you a seat at the table. Our industry is part of the solution. By working with water providers and planning groups, we can ensure that Texas landscapes stay vibrant, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come. 📬 Questions or need help? Contact Karan Mehta, Legislative & Regulatory Manager – [email protected] 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
Bell County now marks the furthest south the invasive pest has been confirmed in the U.S. The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been newly confirmed in Jack, Navarro, Somervell, Bell, and Rockwall counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Notably, Bell County’s detection marks the southernmost known presence of EAB in the United States—a major milestone in the pest’s expansion and a growing threat to Texas ash tree populations. 🪲 What is Emerald Ash Borer? The emerald ash borer is a destructive, exotic beetle that infests and kills ash trees by burrowing beneath the bark and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Once infested, ash trees typically die within 2–3 years. EAB was first confirmed in Texas in 2016 and has now been detected in 31 counties statewide. The latest confirmations in 2024 represent a notable southward jump, increasing the risk for nurseries, landscapes, and natural ash populations across Central Texas. Counties Affected  The USDA Interactive Map displays confirmed detections across the U.S., including the growing number in Texas.
What’s Being Done to Tackle It The Texas A&M Forest Service is leading surveillance and outreach efforts to slow the spread of EAB. Confirmed counties are subject to state quarantines that restrict the movement of ash wood products to prevent further dispersal. Ongoing education and early detection efforts are critical tools in protecting remaining ash populations. Key Considerations for TNLA Members
Next Steps from TNLA TNLA is monitoring the EAB expansion and will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure members remain informed and compliant. If you have questions about how EAB may impact your nursery or landscape operation, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] 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. |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
August 2026
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