Lionel van der Walt Leads AmericanHort Strategy
The AmericanHort CEO is traveling nationwide to address labor shortages and rising supply costs in the horticulture industry.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Landscaping
Live Poll
Should government policy prioritize the survival of small family-owned businesses over large corporate agricultural interests?
As of Q3 2026, Lionel van der Walt serves as the President and CEO of AmericanHort, an organization representing diverse horticultural businesses across the United States. He is currently conducting a tour to meet with growers and stakeholders to address critical industry challenges.
Why it matters
The industry is currently grappling with significant labor shortages and rising input costs for essential materials like fuel and fertilizer. AmericanHort is actively engaging in policy advocacy to secure tariff exemptions and manage visa programs necessary for operational stability.
Some U.S. horticulture companies utilize over 100 different cultivars within their production operations. The industry relies heavily on international imports, including essential equipment from the Netherlands and peat moss sourced from Canada.
The players
Lionel van der Walt
He is the current President and CEO of AmericanHort who is tasked with guiding the organization through current labor and economic challenges.
AmericanHort
This is a national trade organization that represents a broad membership base ranging from large corporations to multi-generational family businesses.
International Association of Horticultural Producers
This global entity coordinates interests across the international horticulture sector and counts the AmericanHort CEO among its board members.
The details
Lionel van der Walt is visiting various growers throughout the country to better understand the logistical and economic pressures facing the sector. Beyond his domestic duties, he has also joined the board of the International Association of Horticultural Producers to represent U.S. interests on a global stage.
Timeline
Lionel van der Walt holds the CEO position throughout 2026.
The initial stakeholder tour is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026.
Culture Shift
The horticulture industry currently relies heavily on H-2A and H-2B visa programs to bridge the gap between labor availability and operational needs. This reliance highlights a broader trend of agricultural sectors struggling to maintain workforce levels despite increasing global demand.
Readers may see changes in the availability or pricing of landscaping products as businesses navigate shifting tariff policies and supply costs. The outcome of current advocacy efforts regarding labor programs could eventually influence the service timelines and seasonal options offered by local nurseries.
The takeaway
The horticulture sector is navigating a complex transition defined by global supply chain dependencies and specialized labor requirements. Consumers should anticipate that advocacy efforts regarding trade and labor will continue to shape the availability of goods in the nursery market.
What happens next
Lionel van der Walt is committed to a continuous schedule of travel and stakeholder meetings that will persist through the end of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the current Landscaping initiatives affecting growers across the country.
More information
For more details on member resources and industry advocacy, visit the AmericanHort official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Horti Daily.
Live Poll
Should government policy prioritize the survival of small family-owned businesses over large corporate agricultural interests?
