Horticulture program faculty from Georgia, Louisiana, Utah, California, New York, and Arkansas met with House Ag Committee staff during a recent visit to the nation’s capital. The AmericanHort Advocacy and Government Affairs team provided information and talking points to facilitate discussions with legislators on the importance of research and innovation.
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 professionals must engage with policymakers and actively advocate for their industry.
Directly engaging with lawmakers is the most effective way to influence public policy. When business owners speak from firsthand experience, their voices often carry more weight than those of professional lobbyists alone.
“I think Congress members are genuinely interested in hearing what their constituents have to say, especially business owners who employ people in their districts,” says Kurt Becker, Executive Vice President at Dramm Corporation. “It’s important to go in with the mindset that you’re a valuable part of their constituency and the public. We have opinions and real issues that need to be addressed, and they welcome those conversations.”
When meeting with legislators, preparation is key to making a strong and lasting impression. Sharing your story is one of the most effective ways to begin a conversation.
Include details about who you are, what your business does, and how specific legislative issues affect your operation.
Developing a one-minute “elevator speech” can set the tone, establish your credibility, and help lawmakers understand your place in the local economy and the broader industry. Plan to share:
• Where your business is located
• How many people you employ
• What you produce, distribute, or sell
• Which sector of the horticulture industry you represent
From there, be prepared to connect your story to the legislative priorities that matter most to you. Whether it is labor and workforce development, tax policy, Farm Bill programs, compliance issues, or funding for research, show how these topics directly affect your ability to operate and grow.
“If your representative is new to Congress, sharing your personal story can bring statistics to life and help them see how their decisions affect not just your business, but real people,” says Matt Mika, Vice President, Advocacy and Government Affairs at AmericanHort.
For example, you might describe how challenges in securing seasonal or H-2A labor delay production timelines, or how recent tax law changes could limit your ability to reinvest in equipment, infrastructure, or workforce development.
The more specific and grounded your examples are, the more impactful your message will be.
The AmericanHort Advocacy and Government Affairs Team is here to support your efforts. They understand the political landscape, maintain strong relationships with key players on Capitol Hill, and can offer guidance.
For instance, they can help you prepare by identifying the most important issues that may affect your business and provide talking points so that you feel confident speaking to legislators.
“The team is extremely knowledgeable with everything going on in the industry across the country, and at a federal level. We can reach out at any time to AmericanHort,” says Arianna Cabrera de Oña, Senior Vice
President of Human Resources and General Counsel at Costa Farms. “They really are our source for everything having to do with regulation, labor, transportation, and so many issues that affect us as an industry.”
Whether you join AmericanHort at the biannual Impact Washington Fly-In Summit, visit D.C. for a coalition meeting, or invite an elected official to your operation, the advocacy team is available as a resource.
“Advocacy isn’t just for those working on the Hill,” says Rachel Pick, Senior Manager, Advocacy & Government Affairs at AmericanHort. “It’s for anyone who wants to make a difference. With the right approach and support, your voice can help shape policies that have a real, positive impact.”
With the right preparation and partnerships, your voice can shape the future of horticulture.
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 thrive.
Through his involvement with the AmericanHort advocacy programs, Becker has become a committed voice for industry progress in Washington, D.C.
While one might assume that federal policy only affects growers, retailers, or those directly impacted by regulations, Becker explains how seemingly unrelated legislation can still hit home, using the potential tariffs on Canadian peat as an example.
“Peat isn’t material to our business,’ he says. “But if my customers don’t have peat, that’s going to present a problem for me selling them an irrigation system to water those plants.”
Similarly, he doesn’t hire H-2A laborers directly, but “if a grower isn’t healthy because they can’t get people to work in their places, (then) that, again, isn’t good for our business.”
Becker shared several instances where AmericanHort helped bring industry realities into the federal conversation. One case involved an ongoing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation that “was focused so much on agriculture that it didn’t apply at all to greenhouses. AmericanHort set up meetings with the EPA, got us in there, and facilitated that dialogue,” he says. “They didn’t outright change the rule, but they were open to clarifying it.”
Ongoing issues, such as the Farm Bill, labor access via the H-2A program, and
trade policies, continue to drive Becker’s engagement, despite them not directly impacting Dramm.
“The Farm Bill matters because of research and crop insurance,” Becker says. “Insurance doesn’t help me, but if my grower customers don’t get crop insurance, and they go out of business after a bad season, that’s not good for Dramm either,” he explains.
What Becker emphasizes most is the importance of industry members showing up. “A lobbyist bringing in five members of a congressperson's constituency carries more weight,” he notes. “Matt (Mika) and the (AmericanHort Government Affairs) team are doing a great job, but they need us to back them up. When we all show up in force, it shows that our industry is serious about these issues.”
Becker encourages fellow business owners to get involved.
“Congresspeople are very interested in hearing what constituents have to say, especially business owners who are employing multiple people in their districts,” Becker says. “Congressional offices are welcoming. You just have to go in with the mindset that you’re a valuable member of their constituency with issues that need to be addressed.”
Becker has found his engagement with advocacy to be a fulfilling part of his work as well as a necessary endeavor to help industry colleagues thrive in their own businesses. It takes time, but it is time well spent.
This September, Becker will participate in the AmericanHort Impact Washington Fly-In Summit, a two-day event that provides horticulture industry members with an opportunity to connect with policymakers and advocate for policies that advance the industry.
Kamron Newberry of AmericanHort, Kurt Becker, Noah Becker, and Matt Mika of AmericanHort in Washington, DC, advocating for greenhouse growers in a meeting with EPA officials.
Roni Petersen joined as the Program Coordinator for Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the AmericanHort research and scholarship foundation, in March 2025.
Roni previously worked for the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association/Ohio Green Industry Association. She held several roles, including certification, membership, education, and managing the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics student competition. She is passionate about the green industry and looks forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success.
Roni is a graduate of Ohio University with a BFA in Dance. She lives in Central Ohio with her family.
Participate in the AmericanHort Financial Benchmark Survey and you will receive financial metrics to help discover opportunities, identify gaps and drive strategic decisions.
AmericanHort and Industry Insights, a strategic third-party expert, conducts this annual survey of greenhouse and nursery growers, garden retailers, landscapers and other green industry professionals that provides exclusive access to valuable financial data. All data is collected and maintained confidentially by Industry Insights and is reported in aggregate only. Only respondents who complete the entire survey will receive:
This report provides actionable data that can aid in improving efficiency and strategic planning. Comprehensive benchmarking data can also help identify strengths, best practices and areas for improvement.
Data includes financial metrics related to COGS, SG&A, profit margins, inventory, labor, transportation, and other pertinent information that can guide decision-making, forecasting, cost-saving opportunities, improving profitability, and driving growth.
Participation in the annual survey is open to AmericanHort members only and will run from June 9–July 25, 2025. Members interested in receiving this financial tool can simply log into the Industry Insights portal, create a profile if they do not already have one, and begin the survey. Only respondents who complete the entire survey will receive the full report.
Participation is open to members only and is free to complete.
Free for Premium members who complete the survey, this report details a company’s performance against industry norms. Basic and Plus Members, who complete the survey, may purchase this report.
For members seeking financial metrics to guide business decisions, improve efficiency and increase competitive advantages, the Financial Benchmark Industry Survey is ideal. The comprehensive report will be released to respondents this fall.
For more information, see a sample report, or to participate in the Financial Benchmark Survey, visit AmericanHort.org/FinancialBenchmark or scan the QR code.
The HortScholar program helped Dr. Josh Henry find his calling.
Josh Henry, Technical Services Specialist with Ball Seed, has a real passion for helping growers do what they do best—produce the most amazing crops possible. His time spent as a 2013 HortScholar early in his career helped solidify his drive to educate and inform industry members.
“When I was selected as a HortScholar, I had just started my undergraduate degree in horticulture at Ohio State,” Henry recalls. “Being from Ohio, I was already familiar with it, and I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity to grow in the industry.”
Henry describes his experience as a HortScholar as transformative. “It was an amazing experience—very busy, meeting all kinds of people. I remember sitting down with Anna Ball and Marvin Miller from Ball Horticultural. That stuck with me,” he says. “Now, I work at Ball. So, it definitely led me to career opportunities I had later in life.”
Originally intending to pursue a career in greenhouse production, Henry’s interest in the field led him to continue his education at North Carolina State University, where he earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D.
In his current role, Henry supports growers across the United States and Canada as part of Ball’s Tech Team. “A big emphasis of my job is working with growers in-person and via communications to help diagnose plant health problems and grow a better crop.”
“I just love helping growers.”
Henry continues to give back to the industry through AmericanHort. He’s a regular speaker at Cultivate and has presented at the Plug & Cutting Conference. “I’ve been presenting at Cultivate since grad school and for the last three years straight,” he notes.
“I just love helping growers,” Henry says. “I went to school for a long time to learn to recognize different plant health problems, and I want to share that information with growers. Cultivate and other AmericanHort programs are really great venues to share that kind of information with people who are really eager to learn.”
The AmericanHort HortScholars program connects emerging horticulture professionals with the industry's leading minds, opportunities, and innovations. Through hands-on learning, networking, and mentorship at Cultivate, the program sets participants on a path to meaningful careers in horticulture.
Hauk Boyes, North Carolina State University
Hauk is pursuing a master’s degree at North Carolina State University, researching sustainable substrates in the Horticultural Substrates Lab. He wants to support greenhouse growers with practical, research-based solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability in commercial horticulture.
George Buss, North Carolina State University
George is an incoming graduate student at North Carolina State University, where he’ll study Controlled Environment Agriculture. He hopes to lead impactful research that improves access to fresh produce in urban areas and promotes environmental sustainability.
Marissa Deem, Blue Ridge Community College
Marissa is earning her A.A.S. in Horticulture at Blue Ridge Community College and interning with Dr. Tom Ranney at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Center. In her future research, she wants to breed resilient ornamental wetland plants that combine native beauty with ecological value and garden accessibility.
Greta Gallina, University of Georgia
Greta is a Ph.D. student in Horticulture at the University of Georgia, studying ornamental breeding with a focus on hardy hibiscus genetics and metabolomics. She aims to expand biotechnological tools and knowledge in ornamental horticulture to enhance the resilience, functionality, and appreciation of these plants.
Olivia Liebing, The Ohio State University
Olivia is pursuing her master’s degree at The Ohio State University, focusing on improving rooting efficiency in ornamental woody liner production. She hopes to support nursery growers by developing sustainable, sciencebased production strategies.
Matthew Post, North Carolina State University
Matthew recently earned a degree in Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University, with a focus on Production Systems. He would like to help advance sustainable practices while mentoring future horticulturists.
Learn more about the HortScholar Class of 2025 at AmericanHort.org/HortScholar or scan the QR code.
¡NUEVO para el 2025! Incluye 14 charlas presentadas en español.
NEW for 2025! Includes 14 sessions taught in Spanish.
Only $99 for Cultivate’25 All-Access Pass Holders.
$369 for members without an All-Access Pass.
September 15–17, 2025, Washington, D.C.
Engage with policymakers, champion your business, and help shape the future of our industry. REGISTER SOON—SPACE IS LIMITED
September 30 and October 1, Baltimore, MD
Get a behind-the-scenes look at operations in the Baltimore, Maryland region.
See what’s coming up at AmericanHort.org/Events or scan the QR code
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About AmericanHort
AmericanHort is the national association of horticulture businesses and professionals across the spectrum of the industry. Perform better, grow stronger and prepare for the future as a member of AmericanHort, the green industry’s leading association.
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AmericanHort Connect 2025: July
Publisher: Mary Beth Cowardin, Vice President, Marketing & Member Engagement
Editor: Cindy Whitt, Marketing Communications Manager
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©2025 AmericanHort. All rights reserved. This material may contain confidential information, and it is for the sole use of AmericanHort members. The information contained herein is for general guidance and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, retransmitted, or otherwise made public without prior written permission by AmericanHort. Please contact the editor at (614) 884-1147 for permission with acknowledgment.
