U.S., Mexico Reach Agreement to Strengthen Rio Grande Water Deliveries for South Texas Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of State announced a new commitment between the United States and Mexico aimed at improving water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.

The agreement is intended to provide greater certainty for farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in South Texas who depend on consistent water supplies from the Rio Grande.

The announcement followed a recent call between President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing long-standing water management issues along the border.

What Farmers Need to Know

Under the updated commitment:

• Mexico will deliver a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year to the United States during the current five-year cycle
• A plan is in place to repay outstanding water debt from the previous cycle in full
• Monthly meetings will be held between both countries to ensure timely deliveries and avoid future shortages

Federal agencies, including USDA and the U.S. Department of State, will continue working together as the agreement is implemented.

Leaders Emphasize Importance for Agriculture

“Water is the lifeblood of the farmers and ranchers who power South Texas’s agricultural economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This understanding between our countries is a direct result of President Trump’s determination to secure fair, practical deals that deliver for American agriculture, and we’re grateful to President Sheinbaum and the Government of Mexico for their partnership in this effort.”

“Under President Trump’s leadership and direction,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, “the Department of State, Department of Agriculture and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission have worked to secure Mexico’s commitment to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, while also providing a plan to eliminate the deficit from the prior cycle, strengthening water security for Texas communities and U.S. agriculture. This is another example of how the Trump Administration continues to produce benefits for the American people on issues ranging from illegal immigration, countering cartels and modernizing trade, as well as securing water for our farmers.”

Officials said the updated agreement is designed to improve long-term water reliability for agricultural operations throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley.