President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico if it did not release water to Texas farmers, as agreed under the 1944 Water Treaty. (Reuters)
"The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt. Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW," he added.
Texas farm groups warned last year of a disastrous season for citrus and sugar as Mexican and U.S. officials worked to resolve a dispute over the 1944 treaty that supplies U.S. farmers with critical irrigation. The two countries have clashed over the treaty before, but drought-driven shortages were the most severe in nearly 30 years.
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Community resident and farmer Byer Junfin, 37, surveys land and water flow near a Flow Meter Station on February 22, 2023, in Quemado, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called the measure a significant step forward and said the Trump administration welcomes Mexico’s continued cooperation in support of American agriculture.
Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico agreed to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water over five years from the Rio Grande.
In exchange, the U.S. agreed to deliver 1.5 million acre-feet to Mexico from the Colorado River.
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But Mexico has fallen short at times, leading to severe water shortages in the Rio Grande Valley for farmers and ranchers. Those shortages have killed crops and jobs and threatened the region’s economy.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-threatens-5-tariff-mexico-over-water-treaty-violations-affecting-texas-farmers