By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The ribbon cutting of a sterile fly distribution facility Monday in the Rio Grande Valley marked a major milestone in the effort to prevent the spread of New World screwworm into Texas and the United States.

The facility will support the strategic dispersal of sterile flies, a proven tool used to halt the spread of the destructive pest.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) leaders attended the event alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, highlighting the coordinated federal and state response to protect agriculture as New World screwworm cases have been identified closer to the Texas border.

The facility represents a long-term investment in animal health, rural communities and the nation’s food supply, TFB President Russell Boening said.

“Texas Farm Bureau is encouraged by USDA’s decisive action in delivering a new sterile fly distribution facility on schedule,” he said. “This facility is a critical component of the New World screwworm response plan and strengthens our ability to respond quickly and effectively as cases move closer to Texas.”

Prior to the ribbon cutting, TFB leaders and federal and state officials toured Lone Star Citrus and held a roundtable discussion on compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty and its direct impact on Rio Grande Valley agriculture.

Agricultural groups stressed the need for reliable water deliveries from Mexico and enforcement of treaty obligations for farmers and ranchers the Valley.

In recent years, inconsistent deliveries have strained irrigation supplies for Valley farmers and threatened the region’s agricultural stability.

“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 on this issue, but accountability remains essential to ensure commitments are fully met and Texas agriculture is protected.”

TFB leaders stressed that both screwworm preparedness and water reliability are critical to safeguarding the future of agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas.

In attendance were Boening, TFB Vice President Warren Cude and TFB District 13 State Director Brian Jones.

Sterile fly dispersal facility opens in Rio Grande Valley The ribbon cutting of a sterile fly distribution facility today in the Rio Grande Valley marked a major milestone in the effort to prevent the spread of New World screwworm into Texas and the U.S.