Texas farm groups have expressed concern regarding the potential adverse effects on citrus - as well as sugar - production due to a water treaty dispute between Mexico and the U.S. The 1944 treaty, which is crucial for irrigation in the U.S., has been a source of contention, especially with the current severe drought conditions exacerbating the situation.
The treaty stipulates that Mexico must deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. from the Rio Grande over a five-year cycle. Presently, in the fourth year of the cycle, Mexico has fulfilled only about 30% of its obligation, marking the lowest delivery rate since 1992, as per the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).
The scarcity of water has led to the closure of the last sugar mill in Texas amid already low supplies and high prices of sugar. U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz highlighted the broader impact of the water shortage on employment and community welfare. On the Mexican side, officials cite climate change as a significant factor in the water scarcity, asserting efforts to comply with treaty obligations within the permitted timeframe. Mexico's national water authority, Conagua, has reported worsening drought conditions, the most severe since 2011, affecting water availability for residents and prompting protests in Mexico City. Efforts to address the treaty enforcement and renegotiate terms for better reliability have been made, including discussions between Texas Congressional members and the U.S. Secretary of State, and between IBWC officials from both countries.
Source: fastcompany.com