September 2025 Business & Management, Management

2025 Labor Survey Report By Heather Machovina

The 2025 GPN Labor Survey offers a snapshot of the horticulture industry’s current labor situation for greenhouse and nursery growers across the U.S. The responses reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences, shaped by the size and type of operation, regional conditions and each grower’s approach to labor management. 

SNAPSHOT OF GROWERS 

Survey participants represented a diverse cross-section of the industry. Growers reported producing a wide range of crops, with annuals and perennials most common, along with shrubs, trees, grasses, tropicals and houseplants. 

Geographically, the survey drew responses from growers in more than 30 states — with notable participation in California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania — reflecting both regional diversity and concentration in key horticultural regions. 

LABOR AND PRODUCTION IMPACTS 

Labor availability continues to be a pressing concern for the horticulture industry. While many growers reported having enough workers to meet production needs in 2024, a significant number did not. For those who experienced labor shortages, the consequences were real — from delayed harvests to unharvested crops and revenue losses. 

NAVIGATING THE H-2A PROGRAM 

Use of the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program varied. While a portion of growers reported actively using the program to meet labor needs, the majority said they do not currently use it. Among those who do, several said they’ve relied on third-party companies or associations to manage recruiting and paperwork, citing the complexity of the process. 

Growers expressed hesitancy about expanding their use of the program, citing reasons like administrative burden, concerns about the legal process, regulatory shifts or new wage requirements. For some, these changes have already affected how they approach labor sourcing. Others are considering scaling back or discontinuing participation altogether in response to rising costs or uncertainty surrounding the program’s future. 

THE IMPACT OF AEWR 

A common theme among growers using H-2A was concern over the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which sets the minimum wage employers must pay H-2A workers. Some growers reported that the AEWR significantly increased their labor costs, even beyond what they were already paying local employees. In several cases, growers said these higher wages required them to raise product prices or absorb additional costs, which put pressure on profitability. Others expressed concern that the AEWR makes it more difficult to hire or retain local workers, who may not be eligible for wage parity. 

STRATEGIES AND ADAPTATION 

Growers are adapting to labor challenges in a variety of ways. Some reported reducing the number of crops they grow, while others are leaning more on automation, interns or local seasonal workers. 

Among those exploring automation, growers are looking at solutions for tasks like planting, irrigating, spraying and harvesting — areas that offer potential for efficiency gains, especially for those operating with smaller crews. 

The results of the 2025 GPN Labor Survey make clear that labor remains one of the most critical and complex issues facing greenhouse and nursery growers today. Despite the hurdles, the survey also reflects a spirit of adaptability — and a willingness among many growers to explore new tools, strategies and partnerships to secure the future of their operations.