“Sugar Industry Is Not Coming Back” as Valley Loses 500 Jobs and $100 Million a Year in Revenue
· Texas Border Business
Brian Jones, Texas Farm Bureau State Director for District 13, highlighted the severe impact of prolonged water shortages on agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley during the RGV Connect Water Forum. He noted the closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Mill in February 2024, resulting in a permanent loss of 500 jobs and $100 million in annual revenue. Jones indicated that citrus production has significantly declined, with output dropping from 11 million to 5.6 million cartons from 2020 to 2025. Farmers are now shifting to lower-water crops like onions, cotton, and soybeans, as they adapt to changing water availability.
AI summary · Source: Texas Border Business →
