Texas Farm Bureau leaders highlight screwworm preparedness, 1944 Water Treaty compliance in Rio Grande Valley

Texas Farm Bureau today joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in the Rio Grande Valley for the ribbon‑cutting of a new sterile fly distribution facility, a critical tool in protecting U.S. agriculture from the threat of New World screwworm.

“Texas Farm Bureau is encouraged by USDA’s decisive action in delivering a new sterile fly distribution facility on schedule,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “We appreciate the leadership of Secretary Rollins, Governor Abbott and their teams for prioritizing resources and strengthening response plans as New World screwworm cases are identified closer to Texas. This facility is a long‑term investment that will benefit agriculture, wildlife and communities across the United States and is a critical component of the New World screwworm response plan. We also look forward to the expedited construction of a sterile fly production facility in the Rio Grande Valley to bolster our efforts.”

Texas Farm Bureau leaders, along with Rollins, Abbott, farmers and key stakeholders, also participated in a roundtable discussion at Lone Star Citrus focused on compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty and its direct impact on Rio Grande Valley agriculture. Participants emphasized the need for reliable water deliveries, enforcement of treaty obligations and long‑term stability for farmers and ranchers in South Texas.

“We had productive discussions with key stakeholders about the needs of Rio Grande Valley farmers and the importance of strict and consistent compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty,” Boening said. “We appreciate the administration’s engagement and efforts to address treaty compliance, but accountability remains essential to ensure commitments are fully met and Texas agriculture is protected.”