The National Onion Association, alongside the Texas International Produce Association and Texas Citrus Mutual, has expressed support for the U.S. government's decision to withhold water allocations from Mexico, citing long-standing non-compliance with the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. The treaty outlines equitable water-sharing responsibilities, which U.S. stakeholders argue Mexico has consistently failed to meet.
U.S. agricultural groups claim that despite citing "extreme drought" exemptions, Mexico has expanded its water storage capacity significantly since the treaty was enacted, adding eight reservoirs and increasing water use for irrigation. Satellite imagery reportedly shows that water levels in Chihuahua's reservoirs have risen, challenging claims of scarcity.
The issue has affected water availability for U.S. farmers, particularly in Texas, where agricultural leaders attribute the collapse of the state's sugarcane industry to upstream diversions. Industry representatives also point to increased Mexican production of water-intensive crops, such as onions, as a contributing factor. Between 2002 and 2024, onion acreage in Chihuahua has reportedly expanded, coinciding with a rise in Mexican onion exports to the U.S.
Recent trade data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity indicates an 11.2% increase in onion imports from Mexico, intensifying competition for U.S. growers. U.S. producers argue that regulatory differences and increased imports place them at a disadvantage, raising concerns about the long-term impact on domestic agriculture across multiple states, including California, Idaho, Georgia, and Washington.
Industry leaders are calling for continued engagement with the U.S. State Department and Congress to ensure treaty enforcement and protect domestic agricultural interests. Ongoing discussions focus on advocating for fair trade practices and addressing the broader implications of cross-border water management.
© NOAFor more information:Greg Yielding
National Onion Association
Tel: +1 970 381 8172
Email: gyielding@onions-usa.org
www.onions-usa.org