President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs and possibly sanctions against Mexico for violating a decades-old treaty that promised Rio Grande water to South Texas farmers. Trump claimed that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty and expressed his concern that this violation was hurting farmers in Texas, leading to the closure of the only Sugar Mill in the state. Trump vowed to make sure Mexico does not continue to harm farmers in Texas and mentioned the possibility of escalating consequences, including tariffs and sanctions, until Mexico honors the treaty and provides Texas with the water it is owed.
Last year, Texas farm groups warned of a disastrous season ahead for citrus and sugar farmers as a dispute between Mexican and U.S. officials over the 1944 water treaty escalated, leading to severe drought-driven water shortages. Under the treaty, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the U.S. over a five-year cycle. This water supply is crucial for Texas farmers, especially with the growing severity of drought conditions in the region, as Texas is the third-largest citrus state in the country behind California and Florida. The dispute over water sharing has been ongoing between the two countries, with Texas farmers facing significant challenges as a result of Mexico’s failure to comply with the treaty.
In response to Mexico’s continued shortfalls in water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty, the U.S. denied a request from Mexico to deliver water to Tijuana. This decision was made to address the decimation of American agriculture, particularly farmers in the Rio Grande valley, due to Mexico’s noncompliance with the treaty. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also highlighted the water crisis facing South Texas, which he described as a “man-made crisis.” Cruz emphasized the importance of holding Mexico accountable and ensuring that they fulfill their obligations under the treaty to deliver water to farmers in South Texas. He commended the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure Mexico into compliance and support Texas farmers in need of water.
The tensions over the water treaty between the U.S. and Mexico have led to concerns about the impact on Texas farmers and the state’s agricultural industry. Texas’s half-billion-dollar citrus industry depends heavily on water from Mexico, making the current situation even more challenging for farmers. The recent closure of the only Sugar Mill in Texas due to water shortages highlights the severity of the situation faced by farmers in the region. Trump’s threats of tariffs and sanctions against Mexico reflect the seriousness of the issue and the need to address Mexico’s violations of the 1944 Water Treaty to protect the interests of South Texas farmers.
Efforts to resolve the dispute over the water treaty continue, with both countries engaged in discussions to find a solution that meets the needs of both Mexican and U.S. farmers. The ongoing drought conditions in the region have exacerbated the challenges faced by Texas farmers, making it essential to address the water sharing issue promptly. As Texas farmers prepare for another season of uncertainty, the support and actions of government officials at the state and federal levels are critical to ensuring that farmers receive the water they are owed under the treaty. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the agricultural industry in South Texas and the livelihoods of farmers who rely on the Rio Grande water supply for their crops.
