'Great sadness': Last sugar operation in Texas to permanently close

SANTA ROSA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The last remaining sugar operation in Texas, located in the Rio Grande Valley, is set to permanently close after 51 years of business.

Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. announced that numerous water shortages in the area and lack of support from the U.S. State Department are forcing the decades-long business to close its doors.

The recently completed harvest and milling season of growing and processing sugarcane into raw sugar will be RGVSG's last.

"For over 30 years, farmers in South Texas have been battling with Mexico's failure to comply with the provisions of the 1944 Water Treaty between the U.S. and Mexico that governs water sharing between the two nations on the Colorado River and the Rio Grande Valley," the company stated. "RGVSG Inc. has no choice but to close its doors."

Over the past half-century, RGVSG Inc. has employed over 500 full-time and seasonal workers at the mill annually. Additionally the mill employs over 100 local growers servicing more than 40,000 acres at times.

"Our employees' dedication and sacrifice to RGVSG, Inc. has been exemplary. Working alongside them for the past 20 years has been my honor," Sean Brasher, President and CEO of RGVSG Inc. said.

The sugar mill closure is expected to have an impact on the Rio Grande Valley and those closest to the mill in La Villa, Santa Rosa and Edcouch.

"As we wind down our operations, we will do everything possible to assist our employees and their families during this transition," Brasher said.