Understanding Policy Across the Supply Chain
Kurt Becker on being engaged with advocacy For Kurt Becker, Executive Vice President of Dramm Corporation, supporting the horticulture industry goes beyond providing high-quality irrigation and chemical delivery systems—it means stepping into the halls of Congress to speak up for the growers, retailers, and allied tradespeople who depend on this industry’s health in order to […]
Giving Horticulture a Voice
Your Guide to Sharing Your Story with Lawmakers Policy decisions made in Washington, D.C., can have a direct and lasting impact on your day-to-day operations. From labor regulations and tax policy to research funding and support, green industry businesses are shaped by laws often crafted without the input of those most affected. That’s why horticulture […]
Congress Passes Fiscal Package with Provisions Important to the Horticulture Industry
Provided by Pinion, an AmericanHort Affinity Partner Last week, Congress passed a $3.4 trillion fiscal package that delivers a mix of tax cuts, farm support, and biofuel incentives. AmericanHort has long played a key role in shaping federal policy to support the profitability and growth of its members’ businesses. Signed into law by President Donald Trump […]
SCFBA Expresses Gratitude for H.R.1 Passage
By Rachel Pick The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) praised the House passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, for including key investments supporting America’s specialty crop industry. SCFBA emphasized that specialty crops—accounting for nearly 25% of U.S. crop value and over half of what Americans eat—must be part of any […]
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Includes Tax Provisions and Safety Net Updates for Specialty Crops
By Rachel Pick and Matt Mika On July 4, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill into law following marathon sessions in the Senate and House of Representatives. The bill delivers wins for agriculture, particularly specialty crop producers, by significantly enhancing farm safety net programs and making long-sought tax provisions permanent. The bill increases […]
New Department of Labor Office to Assist Farmers
By Matt Mika The Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, established the Office of Immigration Policy (OIP) to serve as a one-stop shop for agricultural employers, providing assistance in securing the workforce they need. The OIP is assuming the responsibilities previously held by the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), under the Employment and Training Administration […]
White House Extends Tariff Pause, Announces New Rates for Select Countries
By Kamron Newberry On July 7, President Trump signed an Executive Order extending the reciprocal tariff pause until August 1, granting additional time for trade negotiations. Read more from the official White House Fact Sheet. Here are the key takeaways: AmericanHort will continue to monitor these developments closely and keep you updated as they evolve.
July 2025 Connect
A Quick Guide to Sanitation Best Practices
No matter your role in the green industry — whether you’re a grower, retailer, or installer — one rule applies: cleanliness prevents problems. Implementing consistent sanitation practices protects plant health, improves operational safety, and boosts buyer confidence. Plants and tools can harbor pests, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that are easily spread by soil, water, hands, […]
Department of Labor Suspends Enforcement of Farmworker Protection Rule
by Matt Mika Late last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it is suspending enforcement of the 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule. This nationwide injunction follows inconsistent judicial rulings, including litigation initiated by AmericanHort. What does this mean? DOL will not enforce the 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule while it considers future regulatory actions; only the enforcement […]