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By John Harris, Owner and Founder, Paradigm Fresh
In the heart of the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, water is not just an agricultural input—it’s the foundation of survival. While the 1944 water treaty between the United States and Mexico was signed over 80 years ago, it has become more critical than ever to ensure that it is being enforced for the survival of the American farmers in this region.
The 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty remains a critical and recently overlooked factor in the stability of onion, citrus and various other types of food production across South Texas. As pressures mount from population growth and shifting diplomatic priorities, the treaty’s effectiveness and enforcement have become a significant concern for those in the onion industry.
What’s at Stake
Under the treaty’s terms, the United States agrees to deliver 1.5 million acre-feet of water annually from the Colorado River to Mexico. In exchange, Mexico commits to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year (over five-year cycles) from six Rio Grande tributaries. It should be mentioned that Mexico currently owes the U.S. over 1.3 million acre-feet of water.
This water is essential for the Rio Grande Valley and a large share of Texas’ onion acreage. It supports irrigation systems that serve everything from winter vegetables to onions, one of the region’s most valuable specialty crops. It is also important to note that this water shortage has led to the collapse and shutdown of the Texas sugarcane industry.
The challenge arises when Mexico falls short on its deliveries, as has happened in multiple cycles. These shortfalls in irrigation schedules have created a multitude of challenges. First and foremost, with this “stolen” water (stored in reservoirs and used for future gains rather than releasing it down the river as obligated), Mexico, since 2020, now has 10,000 irrigated acres of onions in Chihuahua, bringing the total acreage up to approximately 14,500. This is putting enormous pressure on the U.S. domestic onion market, as much of this production is being sold into the U.S. even though the U.S. can supply onions to our entire country without relying on a single onion import from anywhere in the world.
The other pressing issue is Mexico’s low cost of production (labor) and lack of FDA inspections in Mexico under the Foreign Supplier Verification Act. Due to safety issues in the region, the FDA is unable and/or unwilling to travel and inspect onsite food safety practices. This is very concerning and, in general, unfair to not only the U.S. farmer, but also to the U.S. consumer. The Mexican agency Senasica is supposedly working with growers to uphold foreign supplier verification requirements, although there is currently no known validity to this process. Meanwhile, the U.S. farmer is being held to food safety standards and labor costs that Mexico is not.
Why This Matters Now
Recent years have brought renewed scrutiny to the 1944 treaty. Drought conditions throughout northern Mexico, compounded by higher water demand on both sides of the border, have made it increasingly difficult for Mexico to meet its obligations. In 2020, the issue came to a head when Mexico drained domestic reservoirs to make deliveries to the U.S., sparking ongoing public protests and political tensions with Mexico. Without reform and increased enforcement from our government, growers in Texas and beyond remain highly vulnerable.
Onion Industry’s Position
The National Onion Association and Texas International Produce Association have advocated for stronger accountability within the treaty framework. Water delivery shortfalls not only impact crop production, they threaten long-term investment in agriculture and strain rural economies.
Key industry concerns include:
- Predictability: Growers need reliable water access to plan and manage crop production. It is tough to plant a crop for which there might not be enough water available to finish its growing lifecycle.
- Enforcement: Treaty obligations must be treated with the same seriousness as trade agreements and regulatory compliance. The Trump administration and the Office of the United States Trade Representative are aware of the ongoing situation and are taking steps to force Mexico’s hand to deliver upon its obligation under the treaty.
The 1944 treaty was established during World War II in diplomacy and good-faith cooperation. Its basic structure has withstood decades of change. Still, the pressures of the present U.S. demand and Mexico’s blatant refusal to fulfill its obligations have prompted the Mexican government to meet them or face harsh and immediate consequences.
For the onion industry, this is not a theoretical issue. It is a matter of crop production viability, economic stability and supply chain health. Whether you’re a grower in the Valley, a shipper in the Midwest or a retailer in the Northeast, the ripple effects of this water uncertainty will impact your business.
As treaty negotiations and water diplomacy continue, the National Onion Association remains dedicated to advocating for the needs of its members and all of America’s farmers. It emphasizes that U.S.-grown produce is among the safest in the world, thanks to rigorous federal oversight and strict regulatory standards.
