Mexico meets annual water obligation, but Valley farmers are still paying the price
The Rio Grande flows near Mission, Texas, as shrinking water levels heighten concerns over supply on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border. Courtesy of | Macarena Hernández

Mexico delivered enough water to meet its first-year obligation under a decades-old international treaty, but Rio Grande Valley agricultural leaders warn that years of shortages continue to threaten the region’s $1 billion farming industry.

The Texas International Produce Association announced Oct. 27 that Mexico delivered at least 350,000 acre-feet of water to the United States during the first year of a new five-year cycle under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, which ended Oct. 24.

The milestone comes after years of inconsistent deliveries that have disrupted agricultural production across South Texas.

“We recognize and appreciate this progress,” the association, which represents more than 400 companies throughout the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, distributors and importers, said in a statement.

5,000+ business leaders across the Valley start their day with us.

Join them free!

RGV Business Journal is the only newsroom dedicated exclusively to the business and economic forces driving South Texas and the border economy.

Our subscribers get:

In-depth reporting on real estate, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and trade
Data and economic trend analysis unavailable anywhere else in the region
The Morning Newsletter: daily, before the workday starts

Try it free for 30 days.

Start My Free Trial

$9.95/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Add Rio Grande Valley Business Journal as a preferred source on Google

Daily Business Update

Get the latest business news delivered to your inbox every morning for free.

    Try 30 Days Free!

    Get full access to award-winning journalism covering business, real estate, health care, economic trends, and the people shaping the Rio Grande Valley.

    30 Days Free!

    $9.95/month

    Limited time offer

    Subscription renews after your 30 day free trial at $9.95/mo.

    Included Benefits


    • Unlimited access to all articles
    • Daily business news and analysis
    • Subscriber-only content and features
    Get Full Access

    McAllen targets new trade with Mexican manufacturing hub as border bridge expands

    September 1, 2026 • 4 min read

    McAllen is pursuing stronger trade and supply-chain ties with Saltillo as the Anzalduas International Bridge expands its commercial capacity.... Read more »

    Starbase leaders approved a 45-year land deal with SpaceX for 166 acres, but what will be built there remains a mystery

    October 8, 2026 • 6 min read

    The city of Starbase inked a 45-year agreement with SpaceX for 166 acres of land in Cameron County – here’s... Read more »