Joint Statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture

On February 3, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins released a joint statement addressing the critical need to secure water resources for agriculture in South Texas, following an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on January 31 regarding water resource challenges in the region. The statement comes amid growing concerns about water scarcity in South Texas, a region heavily dependent on agriculture for its economic stability. With climate change increasing drought frequency and water demands from various sectors competing for limited resources, farmers in South Texas have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. The statement outlines a comprehensive approach to water resource management that aims to balance agricultural needs with environmental sustainability while ensuring food security for the nation. According to the statement, the initiative will involve federal, state, and local collaboration to develop infrastructure improvements, implement advanced water conservation technologies, and establish more efficient water allocation systems. The secretaries emphasized that South Texas agriculture plays a crucial role in the nation's food supply chain, particularly in producing fruits, vegetables, and livestock products.