Trump Administration Secures Landmark Water Agreement for South Texas Farmers

(Washington, D.C., February 9, 2026) – In a significant development for American agriculture, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) Luke J. Lindberg, published a compelling op-ed in the Dallas Morning News. The piece underscores the administration’s relentless efforts to rebuild trade relationships and highlights a pivotal win for water delivery in the Rio Grande Valley.

“After weeks of tough negotiations, the Trump Administration secured an unprecedented deal to guarantee enforcement of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty,” stated Rollins and Lindberg. “At long last, farmers in South Texas will be able to plant crops, ranchers can nourish cattle, and communities across the Valley are set to thrive once more.” The message emphasizes the administration’s commitment to Making Agriculture Great Again through essential resource management.

Background of the Water Crisis

Farmers, ranchers, and producers in South Texas who depend on reliable water deliveries from the Rio Grande are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Following persistent efforts over the past few months, a historic agreement has been reached to bolster the implementation of the 1944 U.S.–Mexico Water Treaty.

The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. In recent years, the Trump administration has worked tirelessly to mend the trade relationships fractured by previous regimes, successfully opening new markets for American agricultural products in over two dozen countries. This ongoing commitment ensures that American farmers, producers, and consumers receive the fairness they deserve in international trade.

The Value of Water in Agriculture

As Benjamin Franklin aptly noted, “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” This has been a poignant reality for many in the Rio Grande Valley, who have faced severe water shortages that threaten their livelihoods.

The 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty was established to resolve disputes over transboundary water rights, obligating each nation to deliver a designated amount of water to the other. Mexico is required to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water each year to the U.S., while the U.S. reciprocates with 1.5 million acre-feet from the Colorado River. Despite the U.S. faithfully meeting its obligations, Mexico has struggled to fulfill its commitments in recent years, causing serious implications for the agricultural economy in South Texas.

Economic Impact and Recent Developments

The underdelivery of Mexican water has affected approximately 1.4 million residents in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, impacting an agricultural economy valued at over $67 billion annually. A glaring example of this crisis was the 2024 closure of the Lone Star Sugar Mill, leaving around 500 employees without jobs.

In December, President Trump brought national attention to the water shortage crisis in South Texas, paving the way for this crucial breakthrough. The new agreement, reached on February 3, commits Mexico to deliver at least 350,000 acre-feet of water annually throughout the current five-year cycle (2026-2030), regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, Mexico has pledged to fully settle all outstanding water debt incurred during the previous cycle.

A Bright Future Ahead

With this agreement in place, South Texas farmers can confidently resume planting crops, ranchers can effectively care for their livestock, and communities can embark on new opportunities for growth and development.

As Rollins and Lindberg declare, “To President Trump, the worth of water is crystal clear: it’s the key to Making Agriculture Great Again.”

Brooke L. Rollins is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Luke J. Lindberg is Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

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