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Texas producers and green industry businesses have access to new funding and financing opportunities that may help support growth, equipment upgrades, and long-term investment. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA), is currently offering two programs designed to strengthen agricultural operations and improve access to capital. 1. AgPro Grant Program The Agricultural Production Resource Opportunity (AgPro) Grant Program provides funding to help producers improve, expand, and strengthen their operations. What this can support:
This program is designed for businesses looking to invest in efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth. 2. Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program The Texas Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program helps increase access to financing by reducing risk for lenders through a state-backed guarantee. What this means for businesses:
Loan guarantees can cover up to 90% of the loan amount, depending on size, helping lenders feel more confident in approving financing. Why This Matters Access to capital continues to be a key challenge for many businesses across the green industry. Programs like these can help:
Strengthen long-term stability Learn More: For full program details and application information: Questions?Casey Corley
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This week’s Texas primary election produced a notable development for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the industries it regulates.
Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who has served in the role since 2015, was defeated in the Republican primary by Nate Sheets, a North Texas rancher, veteran, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and former CEO of the national honey company Nature Nate’s. Sheets will face a Democratic challenger in the November general election. However, it is worth noting that no Democrat has won a statewide election in Texas in roughly 30 years, making the Republican nominee the strong favorite heading into the fall. Texas will see new leadership at the Texas Department of Agriculture when the next commissioner takes office in January 2027. For the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA), TDA plays a particularly important role. TDA is the primary state agency responsible for regulating several areas that directly affect the green industry. Among other responsibilities, the department administers pesticide licensing and regulation, nursery inspections, plant health programs, and enforcement related to the movement of plant materials within and into Texas. As plant pests and diseases continue to move across regions and international borders, coordination between industry and regulators has become increasingly important for protecting Texas agriculture and landscapes. Because of these responsibilities, the Agriculture Commissioner is an important partner for the nursery and landscape industry. The department’s approach to enforcement, rulemaking, and industry engagement can shape how effectively businesses operate and how quickly the state responds to emerging plant health risks. Leadership transitions at state agencies often bring changes in priorities, staffing, and administrative direction. They can also create opportunities to modernize regulatory programs by improving communication with industry, providing greater clarity in enforcement, and strengthening the state’s ability to respond to emerging plant health threats. TNLA has worked with agriculture commissioners and the Texas Department of Agriculture for decades, and we will continue building those relationships as the next administration takes shape. Our focus remains the same: promoting sound regulatory policy, protecting plant health, and supporting the continued growth of Texas’ green industry. We will keep members informed as the election season unfolds and as the next chapter begins at the Texas Department of Agriculture. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
MEMBER ALERT Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) published a new emergency quarantine order replacing the emergency quarantine that was issued last fall regarding the two-spotted cotton leafhopper (also known as the cotton jassid). The newly published quarantine is substantially similar to the prior emergency order.
Current Quarantined Texas Counties (per TDA website as of 2-20-26)
Reminder for Members
Resources TNLA will continue monitoring enforcement trends and regulatory updates and will notify members of any changes impacting nursery operations or plant movement. If you have questions about compliance or shipment requirements, please contact TNLA Legislative & Regulatory Affairs: Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected] On September 18, 2024, the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA) had the privilege of testifying before the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock at the Texas Capitol. Representing TNLA were George Shackleford from Brazos Citrus Nursery, who serves as a Grower representative on the TNLA Board, and Curtis Smith, TNLA's Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs.  During the hearing, TNLA emphasized the importance of stop-sale orders as a protective measure for agriculture. However, we stressed the need to balance these orders with respect for Texans' personal property rights. Our testimony highlighted the necessity of greater transparency from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) regarding their procedures and urged for clear communication and educational resources for our members before these orders are issued. TNLA also addressed the growing concerns in the ornamental citrus industry, which is currently facing severe challenges from citrus greening and canker. These diseases have made citrus growing one of the most highly regulated sectors in our industry, underscoring the need for ongoing support and regulatory flexibility. This hearing provided TNLA with an invaluable opportunity to increase our visibility at the Capitol and advocate for our members' interests. It also allowed us to strengthen relationships with legislators and their staff, ensuring that the concerns of the green industry are heard and addressed.  We are grateful for your continued support as we represent your voice at the legislative level, ensuring that the future of our industry is protected and thriving.
For more information on how to make a difference in the industry please contact TNLA Staff, Curtis Smith at [email protected] |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
April 2026
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