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 […]
Federal Circuit Grants Stay on CIT Decision Striking Down IEEPA Tariffs
On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was unlawful. The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel marked a significant legal rebuke of the broad tariff authority asserted by the Trump administration. […]
Choosing the Right Cultivate Education Sessions for Your Employees
Cultivate Education is the place to review best practices, discover creative solutions, and hear from the industry’s leading experts and researchers. With over 150 sessions, figuring out where to send your team may be overwhelming. Here are insights from a previous webinar on selecting education sessions that ensure your business and team members get the […]
Reducing Risk and Potential Liability: Exploring PCI Compliance, EMV Technology, and Surcharging
Credit card processing has become essential to modern commerce as the world increasingly embraces digital transactions. To ensure smooth and secure payment experiences, businesses should understand key concepts and best practices in credit card processing, including data security, advanced card technology, and surcharge programs. Understanding and addressing these areas will help to ensure secure transactions […]
One Big Beautiful Bill Passes in the House on Slim Party Lines
In an overnight session, House Republicans narrowly passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping legislative package backed by President Donald Trump. The bill, passed just before 7 a.m. on Thursday by a razor-thin 215-214 vote, marks a key victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) after intense GOP negotiations. Only two Republicans, Reps. […]