Texas Citrus Industry Faces Unprecedented Challenges Amid Water Shortages
In what has become a troubling trend in South Texas, the once-flourishing citrus industry, known for its multi-million dollar contribution to the state’s economy, is experiencing a dire crisis. Multiple natural disasters and chronic water scarcity have left this vital sector on the brink of disaster, raising alarms across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and threatening to unsettle the agricultural balance that has been a backbone of the local economy.
Natural Disasters and Lasting Impacts
The catalyst for this decline can be traced back to Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which ravaged citrus groves throughout the region. Lone Star Citrus Growers, among the major players in the Valley, reported significant losses as grapefruit trees succumbed to the devastating cold. This setback was compounded by the persistent drought conditions that have stretched the industry’s recovery period far beyond initial expectations.
April Flowers, Marketing Director for Lone Star Citrus Growers, remarked, “The freeze and subsequent lack of water have been incredibly challenging. We were already working to overcome drought issues, and then the storm hit. It’s like facing a one-two punch.”
Similar experiences were echoed by South Tex Organics, Texas’s largest organic citrus grower, which has only managed to restore approximately 75% of its pre-storm production levels. The dependency on irrigation from the Rio Grande, amid water shortages, continues to impede recovery efforts significantly.
The Critical Water Crisis
Water is the lifeline of the citrus industry, and the scarcity presently facing the Valley could not come at a worse time. A mature citrus tree demands anywhere between 40 to 50 inches of water annually, nearly twice the usual rainfall in the RGV. In a region where the average precipitation hovers around 20 inches per year, irrigation is non-negotiable. This dependency has placed undue pressure on the international reservoirs in the area, tasked with supplying water to sustain the crops.
David Laughlin, a research associate at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, explains, “Without steady irrigation capabilities, the citrus industry here wouldn’t exist. The natural rainfall is simply not enough to meet the needs of our trees.”
International Treaty Tensions
Compounding these challenges is the problem of international water management under the 1944 treaty, which obligates Mexico to provide water to the United States. According to the agreement, Mexico should deliver 1.75 million-acre feet over a five-year cycle. However, with the current cycle ending in October 2025, Mexico still owes over 1.3 million-acre feet, creating a substantial water deficit. Efforts to amend the treaty have led to Mexico contributing a paltry 120,000 acre-feet, an amount critics decry as insufficient for agricultural needs.
“We’re staring at a water crisis,” said Dale Murden, president of Texas Citrus Mutual. “The shortage from Mexico hasn’t been adequately addressed, and it’s a real threat to food security, reminiscent of pandemic shortages.”
Proxy talks between the U.S. and Mexico continue, but frustrations linger among growers and local leaders over the slow pace of negotiations.
Local Economic and Social Ripples
For the RGV community, the citrus industry’s struggle represents more than just an economic story—it deeply affects social stability and regional identity. Reduced citrus production invariably leads to planting cuts and potential job losses, affecting countless Valley residents who rely on this sector for employment. Already, multiple companies have announced labor reductions as they adjust to dwindling water supplies.
Emily Holbrook, a local advocate and mother of Elle Holbrook—the recently crowned Queen Citrianna—shared, “Our state representatives need to recognize that this isn’t just about business. It’s about our community, our culture, and our families. We’re at risk of losing more than just crops.”
Pioneering Solutions and Challenges
In response to the water scarcity, innovative approaches are being embraced, albeit cautiously. Drip irrigation systems, a more efficient water usage method, are being adopted by some farmers. Yet, the cost remains a significant barrier to widespread implementation. Additionally, local water suppliers have considered groundwater desalination as a supplementary water source, but significant investment is required to ensure its feasibility.
Despite these efforts, the consensus is clear: comprehensive policy solutions and governmental intervention are critical. Industry representatives and local leaders are calling for state and federal assistance akin to emergency relief measures seen in previous crises.
The Way Forward
As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain—this is a seminal moment for the Texas citrus industry. The results of today’s decisions and policy shifts will reverberate across the RGV for decades. For those looking to support or seek further information, the Texas Citrus Mutual and local agricultural extension offices stand as vital resources for both advocacy and education.
As April Flowers succinctly noted, “This isn’t just about weathering a storm or a drought; it’s about redefining how we grow and protect what the Valley has cultivated for generations. It’s time to rally for the future of South Texas and its enduring legacy in the citrus world.”
For more information, community members are encouraged to reach out to local representatives or the Texas Department of Agriculture for guidance on supporting the industry through these trying times.
