USDA Media by Lance Cheung

The USDA is stepping in to help Texas farmers in the Rio Grande Valley affected by critical water shortages in 2023 and 2024. The funding is being released due to not meeting obligations outlined in the 1944 Water Treaty Grant Agreement. Soon, $280 million will be available to offset damages from a lack of water. Congress approved the funds in December 2024.

Mexico has failed to deliver more than 1 million acre-feet of water over the last five years. As part of the 1944 Water Treaty Grant Agreement, the country must give the United States 350,000 acre-feet of water each year from the Rio Grande and its contributing waters. The U.S. reciprocates with water from the Colorado River.

Texas has seen sugarcane production and processing stop completely without the expected water. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins remarked that the USDA funds will deliver relief to citrus and cotton growers, but further negotiations will be needed to protect farmers in the area.

Farmers in the area have condemned Mexico for prioritizing the country’s own crops over the treaty. However, a new agreement between the Mexican government and the state of Texas may provide some relief in the future. It requires Mexico to relinquish some waters from the Colorado River and to transfer water from reservoirs to the river valley.

Read more on the expected funds here.