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 […]
New Executive Order Doubles Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to 50% Effective June 4
President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) raising tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and their derivative products from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, citing ongoing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The increase aims to strengthen domestic production by countering continued global oversupply and […]
House Passes Sweeping Domestic Policy Bill
Submitted by AmericanHort Affinity Partner, Pinion House Republicans passed their domestic policy megabill on May 22 after overcoming internal conflict over contentious issues such as the State and Local Tax Deduction, Medicaid changes, and clean energy tax credits. Overall, the bill provides relief from sunsetting tax provisions and addresses several areas important to agriculture, particularly […]
Building a Lasting Legacy: How to Start Your Business Succession Plan
By Jim Rein, Estate & Succession advisor, Pinion Despite a succession plan’s vital importance to a business owner’s and their family’s longevity, wealth building, retirement funding, and/or legacy protection, an astounding 59% of horticulture businesses lack a formal succession or exit plan, according to a survey by PivotPoint Business Solutions. Without a plan, years of […]