The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have announced $280 million in grant funding relief for Rio Grande Valley producers not receiving promised water deliveries from Mexico.
TDA stated that the funding “will provide essential economic relief to eligible farmers and producers in the Rio Grande Valley who continue to endure Mexico’s ongoing failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.”
“I’m proud to partner with the Trump administration and USDA to provide this crucial funding directly to our South Texas farmers and ranchers,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “Our agricultural producers in the Rio Grande Valley have endured enough hardship due to the water scarcity.”
Under the grant agreement, TDA will oversee the program’s implementation, including managing the sign-up process and distributing payments. Eligible producers who experienced water delivery losses in 2023 and 2024 will receive direct payments through this program.
The last sugar mill in Texas shut down due to water shortages, leaving the citrus industry barely hanging on. Texas federal lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Monica De La Cruz, have joined Miller in demanding action as Mexico continues to ignore its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.
As of November 2024, Mexico had delivered only 425,000 acre-feet — just a quarter of what’s required this cycle. In response, the U.S. and Mexico reached a new agreement aimed at improving conservation, reuse and water delivery to prevent further shortfalls.
“Water is the lifeblood of Texas agriculture and nowhere is that more critical than in the Rio Grande Valley,” Miller said. “The rollout of the 1944 Water Treaty Grant Agreement is exactly the action we need to help our agriculture producers in the valley weather this prolonged drought.”
To remain informed about grant information, click here.
Source: TDA
Share this Post
Sponsored Content