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The U.S. and Mexican officials have recently come to an agreement aimed at helping Texas farmers gain access to essential water resources from the Rio Grande. This development follows President Donald Trump’s earlier claims that Mexico was unfairly depriving Texan farmers of water, as mandated by a longstanding treaty.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the arrangement, affirming that Mexico would meet the immediate water requirements of Texas agricultural producers, as outlined in the 1944 Water Treaty.
As part of this new agreement, Mexico has pledged to enhance water flows from its international reservoirs and improve the U.S. water supply from six tributaries of the Rio Grande through the current five-year water cycle, which concludes in October.
“The assurance that Mexico will address the water needs of Texas farmers and ranchers under the 1944 Water Treaty marks a significant win for American agriculture,” said Rollins. “After weeks of negotiations with Mexican cabinet officials and alongside Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, we have finalized an agreement that will support Texas producers in accessing necessary water resources.”
FARMING CONCERNS HEIGHTEN AS U.S. AND MEXICO CLASH OVER WATER TREATY
The ongoing situation has amplified tensions, with President Trump previously threatening to impose tariffs on Mexico. Currently, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration are collaborating with U.S. officials to combat drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking.
Rollins emphasized the importance of this measure, indicating that the Trump administration appreciates Mexico’s commitment to ongoing cooperation in strengthening American agriculture.
According to the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is obligated to transfer 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. over five years from the Rio Grande, while the U.S. must supply 1.5 million acre-feet from the Colorado River in return.
However, there have been instances where Mexico has not fulfilled its obligations, leading to significant water shortages in the Rio Grande Valley. These shortages have dealt harsh blows to local farmers and ranchers, resulting in crop failures and economic uncertainty.
BOTH NATIONS DECLARE VICTORY FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT DECISION REGARDING FLOODED LANDS
Recent events escalated after President Trump warned of possible tariffs, or even sanctions, if Mexico continued to fall short in delivering Rio Grande water to Southern Texas farmers.
“This situation is profoundly unjust and has detrimental effects on South Texas farmers,” he expressed on Truth Social on April 10. “Last year, Texas’s only sugar mill was forced to close due to a lack of water. Senator Ted Cruz has taken a strong stance in ensuring South Texas receives its rightful allocation, but the current administration has not made adequate efforts to assist,” Trump stated.
WATER EMERGENCIES DECLARED AS TEXAS FACES CRITICAL SHORTAGES
Trump pledged to ensure that Mexico adheres to the treaties that bind both nations, prioritizing the needs of Texas farmers.
“I recently halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the conditions of the 1944 Water Treaty,” he added. “My Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is committed to advocating for Texas farmers, and we will continue to explore all possible measures, including tariffs and sanctions, to ensure Mexico fulfills its obligations and provides Texas with the necessary water resources.”
Texas agricultural groups have voiced serious concerns that this season could be disastrous, particularly for citrus and sugar crops, as discussions surrounding the 1944 treaty unfold.
The two neighboring countries have faced disputes over water management in the past, but current drought conditions have resulted in the most severe shortages experienced in nearly three decades.
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