Company aims to reopen Santa Rosa Sugar Mill

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced Friday that the sugar mill located in Santa Rosa is expected to reopen in 2026.

In a release, Commissioner Miller announced his support for Santa Rosa Sugar LLC, a partnership between Bizos Cavallo, Vera International, and Verax Commodities aimed at restoring Texas's sugar cane industry. 

In 2024, a lack of water prompted the closure of Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., a 51-year-old sugar cane mill and the only one in Texas.

Santa Rosa Sugar LLC signed a purchase agreement to obtain the assets of Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.

Commissioner Miller said the sugar mill closure impacted the lives of farm families, rural workers, and communities.

"The economic and cultural losses were profound. Restoring sugarcane means jobs, community revitalization, and preserving an important part of Texas’s agricultural history," Commissioner Miller said.

Santa Rosa Sugar LLC also plans to revive 130 sugar farms across the Rio Grande Valley, helping the future of Texas sugar, according to a news release.

The news release states the restoration of the Santa Rosa sugar mill will be done in four phases:

"Phase I: in 2025 includes land acquisition, infrastructure evaluation, continuing the re-engagement with local growers that began earlier this year to rebuild the supply chain, and the early restart of packaging and distributing sugar to U.S. markets, including Texas and beyond.

Phase II: From 2025 through 2026, will focus on scaling grower networks, upgrading water systems with advanced recycling technologies, and preparing for refinery construction.

Phase III: From 2026 through 2028, will include workforce expansion, relaunch of the mill, and the start of production for all commercial and retail sugar types, including crystal, liquid, and powdered sugar.

Phase IV: From 2028 onward, will expand acreage, fully integrate production, and establish nationwide distribution."