The Texas Department of Agriculture will host a hands-on workshop in Laredo to help local producers complete applications for the $280 million 1944 Water Treaty Grant.
The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at the Webb County Extension Office, 7209 E. Saunders St., Suite 5.
The grant program, created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aims to provide economic relief to agricultural producers in South Texas who have been affected by water shortages along the Rio Grande. The funding’s goal is to address losses tied to Mexico not meeting its water delivery obligations outlined in the 1944 Water Treaty.
That treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of river water annually over a five-year cycle. According to U.S. officials, the country has not met the total requirements.
“There is no greater priority for my agency right now than the delivery of this grant,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “This relief is long overdue. My staff is here to serve you and is eager to assist with any questions you have regarding your applications.”
Producers attending the Laredo workshop will have the opportunity to meet with TDA staff and receive personalized support to navigate the grant application process. The assistance is part of a broader effort to ensure eligible farmers and ranchers secure their share of the funds before the application deadline on May 22.
Eligible applicants include producers who farmed land with irrigation rights in at least one of the Rio Grande River Valley Water Districts in 2023 or 2024. Those who qualify must have specific documentation with them at the workshop, including irrigation certificate numbers, proof of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality water rights or irrigation district approval, and evidence of the total number of irrigable acres.
The event is one of three workshops hosted across South Texas to assist producers in applying for their portion of the funds. Miller highlighted the urgency of the program, encouraging producers to use the available resources.
“We are here to lend a helping hand,” Miller said. “Don’t let confusion get in the way of your submission. I urge eligible producers with questions to attend one of these workshops or reach out to our agency directly right away. Time is running out to apply.”
The Rio Grande has faced prolonged drought and reduced water availability, affecting agricultural production in South Texas. With lower water deliveries from Mexico, Texas has had to take cuts to water allocations from its international reservoirs, directly straining farmers, municipalities and industries. State officials such as Miller have criticized the shortfall and its effects on local producers.
“Water is the lifeblood of Texas agriculture, and nowhere is it more critical than in the Rio Grande Valley,” Miller said. “The 1944 Water Treaty Grant rollout is precisely the action needed to assist our agricultural producers in the Valley as they have endured a prolonged drought.”
Alongside the workshop in Laredo, the TDA will hold an additional session for South Texas producers on Thursday, May 1 in San Benito. Farmers and ranchers who cannot attend either of the upcoming workshops can still apply for the grant by visiting the department’s website or contacting the agency directly at grants@texasagriculture.gov. For further information, they can also reach the regional office at 956-787-8866.
The Laredo session is expected to draw significant local interest as regional producers seek financial relief. With the May 22 application deadline fast approaching, the TDA’s efforts aim to assist those affected by water shortages in securing funding to support their operations.
Source - https://www.lmtonline.com
