Craig Regelbrugge
USDA Labor Survey Reveals Clouds on the Horticulture Labor Horizon
In recent years we have seen an uptick in the Department of Labor challenging greenhouses’ seasonal need for workers.
Perspective: What a New Presidency Could Mean for the Green Industry
In his recent State of the Industry update, AmericanHort’s Craig Regelbrugge notes that as if the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t created enough uncertainty this year, the November election is fast approaching.
Lawmakers Continue to Seek Labor Solutions for Ag
H-2A reform and changes to seasonal visa programs are just some of the options on the table as Congress tackles this critical issue.
Why Changes in Washington Will Be Good and Bad for Horticulture in 2019
Labor, transportation, plant trade, and research are top priorities for industry advocacy in the new year.
What Happens If We Do Nothing About Farm Labor Shortages?
While no one has the crystal ball, there are some changes that might actually play out over time.
How Plant Certification Innovations Can Reduce Grower Headaches
The plant commerce and certification landscape is evolving. What do these changes mean for greenhouse growers?
What the APHIS Plant Import Rules Restructuring Means for You
The federal regulation covers imports of live plants and pretty much any type of plant propagative material.
State of the Greenhouse Industry: Regulatory Uncertainty Means It’s Time to Get Involved
With election dynamics, a new farm bill, and pending immigration reform in the mix, 2018 looks to be a wait-and-see year for the horticulture industry.
AmericanHort’s Main Priorities After Impact Washington: Tax Reform, Labor Reform, Research Funding
Now that Impact Washington is over, AmericanHort, with industry support, is looking to continue its focus on tax reform, labor reform, and research and innovation.
Craig Regelbrugge: Proposed Budget Cuts Could Eliminate Key Horticulture Programs
President Trump’s proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year includes significant cuts to the Agricultural Research Service, which supports the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative.
AmericanHort Update on Genetically Engineered Petunias
AmericanHort is actively assisting affected plant breeders, distributors, growers, and retailers as the genetically modified petunia regulatory response […]
Growing Optimism for the Horticulture Industry in 2017
With a new administration and a new Congress, AmericanHort’s Craig Regelbrugge says the horticulture industry has reason to be cautiously optimistic that regulatory relief could be on the horizon.
Craig Regelbrugge Says 2016 Will Be A Year Of Waiting For The Horticulture Industry
The 2016 presidential election will make for slow progress on critical regulatory issues like health care, pollinator health, and immigration reform.
Pollinator Health 2015: What’s Next For Horticulture?
The news on pollinators and neonicotinoids continues to fluctuate between good and bad. Research and outreach efforts backed by the Bee and Pollinator Stewardship Initiative help move the industry in a positive direction.
H-2B Situation Goes From Bad To Even Worse
On March 5, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it will no longer accept or process H-2B labor certifications or requests for H-2B prevailing wage determinations in light of a March 4 decision. Shortly after the DOL announcement, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services followed suit, announcing it will at least temporarily cease approving visa petitions. These announcements essentially shut down the H-2B program for any company that has not completed the DHS H-2B visa petitioning process.
H-2B Cap Hit, Adding to Visa Program Woes
The H-2B visa cap for the first half of fiscal 2015 was hit late in January. As a result, some growers may not have access to the H-2B workers they need during the months ahead. The visa cap and resulting labor shortages will have impacts throughout the horticulture industry.
2015 State Of The Industry: Major Changes In Washington Reveal Need For Reform
Immigration, tax and regulatory reforms are a few important issues to watch in 2015. Still, the horticulture industry is on the threshold of change and has reason to be optimistic.
Immigration — Obama Acts Without Congress
On November 20, President Obama announced a series of executive actions on immigration policy, which are already proving to be politically divisive, and many Republican legislators say this unilaterally “poisons the well” for reform. In AmericanHort’s view, that dire prediction need not be the case.
Take Action On EPA’s Waters Of The U.S. Rule
What does this mean for your business? It could potentially mean that chemical applications, ground disturbances (planting included) and many other normal business activities could require permitting and further, could be subject to EPA oversight.