Mexico to release Rio Grande River water to US under agreement
A long-awaited agreement between the U.S. and Mexico will release water from the Rio Grande River in a move aimed at helping meet the needs of farmers and ranchers in Texas.
The landmark agreement, rooted in the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, marks a critical step toward restoring equitable water distribution crucial for agricultural sustainability, according to an April 28 USDA news release.
As part of the agreement, the Mexican government committed to transfer water from international reservoirs and increase the U.S. share of the flow in six of Mexico’s Rio Grande tributaries through the end of the current five-year water cycle, which concludes in October.
Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet over five years to the United States from the Rio Grande River. The U.S. in turn delivers 1.5 million acre-feet of water to Mexico from the Colorado River. Mexico’s persistent shortfalls in deliveries has led to severe water shortages for Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers, devastating crops, costing jobs and threatening the local economy, according to the USDA.
“Mexico finally meeting the water needs of Texas farmers and ranchers under the 1944 Water Treaty is a major win for American agriculture,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in the statement. “After weeks of negotiations with Mexican cabinet officials alongside the Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, we secured an agreement to give Texas producers the water they need to thrive.
“While this is a significant step forward, we welcome Mexico’s continued cooperation to support the future of American agriculture.”
The National Onion Association (NOA), Texas International Produce Association and Texas Citrus Mutual advocated for a resolution.
American onion growers have contended in recent years with the surge of imported onions from Mexico, produced at lower production, labor and transportation costs than the American growers, according to NOA. The organization said Mexico had been refusing to release water, citing extreme drought, for years, while also increasing its agricultural output.
“Securing this water is a clear reminder of what can be accomplished when we stay united and determined,” NOA president Jared Gutierrez said in a release. “The National Onion Association remains fully committed to fighting for fairness and balance in agricultural trade. Our farmers deserve a level playing field, and we will continue to stand up, speak out, and work relentlessly to protect the future of onion farming in this country.”
