Subscribe to Here's the Deal, our politics newsletter. "We are on the cusp of a potential water disaster in the state of Arizona," Mayes said. Contact [emailprotected]. China is the primary export market for U.S. hay. The Arizona Water Supply. CBS News obtained copies of several land leases dating back to 2014 that give Fondomonte rights to more than 6,000 acres of state-owned land and the groundwater that comes with it. In the past, La Paz County leaders have voiced concern about companies from the Middle East moving to the state to grow alfalfa that will be shipped overseas. In June, The Arizona Republic uncovered the story of how the State Land Department had recently handed over thousands of acres to a Saudi corporation called Fondomonte, giving it permission to. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Opinion | A Saudi Arabian Dairy Giant in Siphoning Off Arizona's Meanwhile, some California-based farms, facing tougher groundwater regulations at home, are looking to relocate to neighboring Arizona for cheap water. An appropriation of $440 million for conservation and water reliability projects, passed in the waning hours of the session, is a significant step. Migrating there, the settlers looked to the Middle East and decided to grow dates. Fondomonte, which is owned by one of the largest dairy companies in Saudi Arabia, bought vast tracts of desert in western Arizona on top of a massive groundwater aquifer in part because there are no regulations on how much water can be pumped out of the ground. This conversation must continue, and as Arizona revisits the way it manages this precious resource, we must include the empowerment of local communities to determine their water future. Two deep-water wells were . For some, the question is: how did this happen? On Twitter:@tomprezelski. Foreign entities and individuals control roughly 3 percent of U.S. farmland, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Pumps are pumping water out of the ground that belongs to the State of Arizona, and essentially it's being exported to Saudi Arabia," said Kris Mayes, Arizona's newly elected attorney general. In Arizona, fresh scrutiny of Saudi-owned farm's water use Saudi farm brings Arizona water controversy to boiling point - MSN Here's how Arizona built Saudi Arabia's farming empire - 12news.com Saudi alfalfa sparks tension in Arizona's Sonoran Desert Arizona is one of the last places in the United States that should be reckless with its water resources. Its lawyers have said previously that the company legally leased and purchased land in the U.S. and spent millions on infrastructure improvements. Assisted by the newly established University of Arizona, the farmers dug deep and elaborate irrigation . Almarais holdings in the Southwest are just one example of the farmland the company and its subsidiaries operate outside Saudi Arabia. Biden lays out "new path" for student loan relief after Supreme Court decision, Supreme Court strikes down Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning "Little Miss Sunshine" actor, dies at 89, Here's what the Supreme Court ruling means for your student debt, State Department report details failures in chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, Supreme Court sides with designer who declines to make same-sex wedding websites, Women face age bias at work, no matter how old they are, As student debt relief fails, some point to "hypocrisy" of PPP loans. The Saudi water company is raiding Arizonas groundwater because Saudi Arabia has nearly exhausted its own supplyan exchange that ought to put other states on high alert. For that, we have to come back to this country and visit Arizona, which went long on a bad ideas and is paying a fearsome price. Theres a perception that water goes to local uses, said Andrew Curley, a professor of geography and the environment at the University of Arizona. It's a growing controversy that could lead to a reckoning over scarce water supplies. The leases are signed by Arizona's State Land Department. And like Fondomontes alfalfa, Raytheons product is being shipped to Saudi Arabia. This is a particularly terrible place for the state to be engaging in this kind of behavior.". PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- The state of Arizona has rescinded its approval for two new deepwater wells for a controversial Saudi Arabia-owned farm in the desert west of Phoenix. Bruce Babbitt called for Gov. Arizona is leasing farmland to a Saudi water company, straining aquifers, and threatening future water supply in Phoenix. This last example brings up another point. Canada is the largest holder mainly of forestland. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Years of drought have ratcheted up pressure on water usersacross the West, particularly in states like Arizona, which relies heavily on the dwindling Colorado River. Officials from both parties have criticized the use of state water by foreign-owned entities, with Gov. As a result, the Bureau of Reclamation ordered Arizona to cut its use of water from the river by 21 percent. They pay about 86 thousand dollars a year. Most state officials in charge when the leases were signed are no longer in office. Arizona AG Kris Mayes Revokes Water Permits for Saudi Arabia-Owned Farm Canada is the largest holder mainly of forestland. County leaders have voiced concerns over the future water supply. Ironically, American farmers helped kick-start the Saudi dairy industry. She also said in a statement that Arizona's Groundwater Management Act needs to be updated to give rural areas more tools for regulating groundwater pumping. Although there are no records for how much Fondomonte is pumping out of the aquifer, a State Land Department report estimates the company is swallowing as much as 18,000 acre-feet every year enough water to supply 54,000 single-family homes. The states groundwater, Hobbs said, should be used to support Arizonans, not foreign business interests.. KTAR.com PHOENIX Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that drill permits for a Saudi Arabia-owned alfalfa farm in La Paz County have been revoked. Arizona needs to apply groundwater pumping regulations across the entire state, not just in its metropolitan areas. Treating. What will it take for Israel, Saudi Arabia to normalize ties In most of rural Arizona, whoever has the money to drill a well can continue to pump till the very last drop. That's how much water would have been pumped from two proposed wells on a Saudi Arabia-owned farm in La Paz County. And most of them are U.S.-owned. Now,worsening droughthas focused new attention on the company and whether Arizona should be doing more to protect its groundwater resources. Phoenix, Tucson and other Arizona cities have restrictions on how much groundwater they can pump under a 1980 state law aimed at protecting the states aquifers. La Paz County, Arizona CNN Workers with the water district in Wenden, Arizona, saw something remarkable last year as they slowly. But in rural areas, little is required of water users besides registering wells with the state and using the water for activities, including farming that are deemed a beneficial use.. Meanwhile, in La Paz County, a private equity firm is buying up landfor the sole purpose of selling the water rightsto a suburb of Phoenix. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. PHOENIX (AP) Gov. The department declined to comment on the revoked drilling permits or the need for more groundwater regulation. The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Newcastle in talks to host Saudi-Mexico friendly - sources In Cochise County, for example, intensive drilling for corporate agriculture has jeopardized the livelihood of residents and imperiled small farms. Mayes vowed to look into Fondomontes operations and water use last year after the Arizona Republic reported that the Arizona State Land Department leased the company thousands of acres of farmland for below market value. A few months after that plan was released, Saudi-U.S. relations deteriorated after Saudi Arabia announced oil production cuts. But she failed to clearly note the action that is needed: groundwater regulation across the entire state. "I think most Arizonans find it shocking that our government is giving the state's water away to a Saudi corporation at a time of extreme drought," Mayessaid. Fourteen U.S. states have restrictions on foreign individuals or entities owning farmland, but limitations vary widely and no state completely prohibits it. The AP is solely responsible for all content. This year The Arizona Republic published a report showing that the Arizona State Land Department has been leasing 3,500 acres of public land to Almarai for a suspiciously low price. In fact, the state rents some land to Fondomonte for $25 an acre. The Saudi water company is raiding Arizona's groundwater because Saudi Arabia has nearly exhausted its own supply an exchange that ought to put other states on high alert. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. newsletter for analysis you wont find anywhereelse. He is a former state lawmaker. But Arizona is not the victim of evil outsiders; its the victim of its own hubris and political failings that allow such a system to exist. U.S. farmers themselves export hay and other forage crops to the Middle East mainly to Saudi Arabia. In 2011, the Saudi agriculture giant Almarai acquired an Argentinian company called Fondomonte. The wells will be just as dry whether local water resources are monopolized by corporate farms or are redirected elsewhere. Blaming the Saudis may be a good political play, but the problems wont go away until state lawmakers properly reform Arizonas groundwater laws. Here are some tips. Mayes'opponent in the attorney general's race, Republican Abe Hamadeh, said in a statement that "government should not be subsidizing private industry, especially when it involves private or foreign entities freely accessing and capitalizing off our natural resources.". But Fondomonte is paying just $86,000 annually to lease the land. It's a challenge for the state. Treating water like a revenue source is a terrible idea on its face, but charging bargain-basement prices for a terrible idea is an even more terrible idea. Fourteen U.S. states have restrictions on foreign individuals or entities owning farmland, but limitations vary widely and no state completely prohibits it. PHOENIX (AP) The state of Arizona has rescinded drilling permits for two water wells for a Saudi Arabia-owned alfalfa farm in the western portion of the state after authorities said they discovered inconsistencies in the company's well applications. The Arizona Department of Water Resources is the steward of Arizona's water future and ensures long-term, reliable water supplies to support the continued economic prosperity of the State. Mayes, a Democrat, sought the revocations after she said her office had found inconsistencies in the permit applications. Fondomonte Arizona, a subsidiary of Almarai Co., has for nearly a decade grown alfalfa in the American Southwest that is sent to the Gulf kingdom to feed cows there. Saudi Arabian Lobbyist elected to Maricopa county supervisors - KYMA "One of the most egregious aspects of this water giveaway is that it is shortchanging our schools and our kids," Mayessaid. Katie Hobbs, the Democratic candidate for governor, has criticized the leases several times, calling them "sweetheart deals" and saidshe would "protect Arizona's water resources from corrupt actors.". The Water Wars of Arizona - The New York Times Mayes, along with hydrologists and environmental advocates, says more studies are needed of groundwater basins in rural areas such as La Paz County, an agricultural county of about 16,000 people. Water Permits for Saudi Arabia-Owned Farm in Arizona Revoked The farm uses the water to grow alfalfa, which is shipped back to Saudi Arabia and used as livestock feed. Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1252, 602-496-8888 Even if Fondomonte leaves the state, it will be only a matter of time before Arizona sucks its aquifers dry. In Arizona, Fresh Scrutiny of Saudi-Owned Farm's Water Use In Arizona, fresh scrutiny of Saudi-owned farms water use. Farr can tell from looking at it that it's almost full. Frankly, I believe they are not doing their jobs, Mayes said about Arizonas Department of Water Resources oversight of rural areas. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. The state of Arizona has rescinded drilling permits for two water wells for a Saudi Arabia-owned alfalfa farm in the western portion of the state after authorities said they discovered . Without it, all life dies. Sailor Fella on Twitter: "RT @LakotaMan1: Should foreign interests Arizona AG, governor candidates call for Saudi Arabian water leases investigation, intensive drilling for corporate agriculture, Inside Arizona's sweet deal to a Saudi farm, their own needs and their own vision of their future, creating a system of rural management areas, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. We can see that with our eyes, Mayes said. These companies and other megafarms can afford to drill deep wells, chasing the rapidly sinking water table. Amid the worst drought in more than a millennium, which has left communities across the state with barren wells, the state is depleting what remains of its precious groundwater. The implication here is that the concern is not for the residents of La Paz County, but for a suburban town more than 150miles away over mountains and desert valleys. 2023 www.azcentral.com. Foreign entities and individuals control roughly 3% of U.S. farmland, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But the focus on the Saudi scheme obscures a more fundamental problem: pumping groundwater in Arizona remains largely unregulated. Just outside of a western Arizona town called Hope, cattle rancher Brad Mead is finding it hard not to lose his. Saudi water deal threatening water supply in Phoenix - Arizona PBS Wells are running dry in drought-weary Southwest as farms guzzle water But he says there are days he can't provide enough water for everyone. While the taps are running dry and reservoirs are disappearing in Arizona, a corporate farm from Saudi Arabia is pumping massive amounts of groundwater to grow alfalfa for cows back in the Middle . As a geographer who studies Saudi Arabias history, I cant help but think about how muddy the lines between victim and victimizer are when I hear this rhetoric. Here's how to save your photos. That Fondomonte chose Arizona as a place to grow such crops has angered some in the state, which has faced two consecutive years of federal water cuts from the Colorado River, a primary water source for the state. Fondomonte also farms in Californias Palo Verde Valley, an area that gets its water from the Colorado River. PHOENIX (AP) Arizona Gov. How Saudi Arabia's international search for water led them to Arizona In a post election story that might have fallen through the cracks, it's been discovered that. There are .css-umdwtv{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #d5dbe3 50%, #d5dbe3);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-umdwtv:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Nazi ghost ships rising from their watery graves in the Danube. That Fondomonte chose Arizona as a place to grow such crops has angered some in the state, which has faced two consecutive years of federal water cuts from the Colorado River, a primary water source for the state. Credit: 12News There's a water tower about 100 yards from the well. Mayes held a newsconference about the issue this month and discussed it at length in an interviewwith The Republic. Middle East moving to the state to grow alfalfa, Web Designer in Supreme Court Gay Rights Ruling Cited Client Who Denies Making Wedding Site Request, Ohio's $86 Billion State Budget Clears Legislature, Heads to Governor, Delaware Lawmakers Give Final Approval to Budget Bills for New Fiscal Year Starting Saturday. Local farmers are just realizing their water is being exported overseas . Utahs strong economy and business environment make it an attractive place, but experts and locals say that isnt all the Beehive State has to offer. All rights reserved. The Saudi farm scandal may have helped to spotlight the severity of Arizonas water crisis, but the state will have to go further to address the root cause. In August, Kris Mayes, then a candidate for state attorney general, released a 16-point plan to stop what it called the Saudi water grab. Ms. Mayes, who narrowly won the November election (though results of an automatic recount are pending), has some good ideas. That same month, Republican state legislators introduced a bill to prohibit sales of state lands to foreign governments, state enterprises and any company based in China, Russia or Saudi Arabia. Large scale farming of hay and alfalfa, using mechanized overhead irrigation systems that move in a circle, are viewed on March 10, 2021 in Needles, California. In Arizona, worsening drought has brought renewed attention to a farm owned by a Saudi Arabian company and whether the state should be doing more to protect its groundwater resources. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/in-drought-stricken-arizona-fresh-scrutiny-of-saudi-arabia-owned-farms-water-use, Arizona House expels GOP lawmaker who presented unproven accusations, Arizonas conservative superintendent sets up critical race theory hotline, Governor creates commission to study Arizona prison problems, Persistent drought and overdevelopment cause record low water levels for tens of millions. She stopped short of calling for the leases to be canceled or investigated. The State Land Department is overseen byDucey, who appointed current Land Commissioner Lisa Atkins. Its one of the most water intensive crops there are and just with the conditions out there, theyre able to do eight to nine cuts, harvests a year of alfalfa.. All Rights Reserved. Katie Hobbs is urging President Joe Biden to use the Antiquities Act to designate the tribally proposed Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. 2023 www.azcentral.com. Arizona Department of Water Resources | Protecting & enhancing Arizona The Plunder of Our Water Supply Has Already Begun - Esquire State blocks plans for new deepwater wells at Saudi-owned farm - AZFamily In the 1940s the U.S. State Department sent Arizona farmers to Saudi Arabia and coordinated two Saudi royal visits to Arizona to tout the states spectacular desert agriculture. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. 27 Jun 2023 08:36:10 Two deep-water wells were. A Saudi Arabian dairy company owns 15 square miles in Arizona and 15 water wells to make hay to send home to cows. In Arizona, renewed attention to Fondomontes water use is raising questions about the states lack of regulation around pumping groundwater in rural parts of the state. Saudi Arabia, struggling with its own water shortages in the past decade, restricted the growth of some forage crops in the country. In rural Arizonas La Paz County, on the states rugged border with California, the decision by a Saudi-owned dairy company to grow alfalfa in the American Southwest for livestock in the Gulf kingdom first raised eyebrows nearly a decade ago. But aquifers are drying. A side note to why is because Saudi Arabia has exhausted a lot of their ground water supply. Democraticattorney general candidate Kris Mayes is calling to investigate and potentially cancel the leases the State Land Department signed with a Saudi Arabian company that is pumping fromPhoenix's backup water supply in western Arizona. We have existing law that we dont think his being followed.. A Colorado web designer who the U.S. Supreme Court ruled could refuse to make a wedding website for gay couples had cited a request from a man who says he never asked to work with her, Ohios new budget could include almost $3 billion in income tax cuts, funding for universal school vouchers, bans on flavored vape products, and hundreds of other measures, Delaware lawmakers have given final approval to budget bills for the new fiscal year starting Saturday. Mayes says the lease should be put on hold while they are investigated becausethey potentially violate the Arizona Constitution in two ways: Theycould violate the gift clause as well as a clause that requires state land and its products to be appraised and offered at their true value. In all likelihood, if these groups have to pay fair prices for water, they will have to give up on growing water-hungry crops like alfalfa in the desert. April 20, 2023 / 10:39 AM More from this show. It farms tens of thousands of acres in Argentina, which has also faced severe drought conditions in recent years. Shootout outside US consulate in Saudi port city leaves - AZFamily It was just eight months . This week, the Hobbs campaign said the leases need to reflect the market and not be sweetheart deals for foreign and special interests. Mayes, along with hydrologists and environmental advocates, says more studies are needed of groundwater basins in rural areas such as La Paz County, an agricultural county of about 16,000 people. CBS News asked the department why it granted the leases, but it did not respond to our multiple requests for comment. Its not pork bellies or cotton futures. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. We could start in 1848 when the U.S. acquired a large part of the Southwest. Arizona revokes water permits for Saudi Arabia-owned alfalfa farm Saudi firm isn't the only investor draining rural Arizona water Privately held Fondomonte California on Sunday announced that it bought 1,790 acres of farmland in Blythe, California an agricultural town along the Colorado River for nearly $32 million. Much of it goes to private companies nearly free, including Saudi Arabias largest dairy company. This week, Attorney General Kris Mayes said her office uncovered the inconsistencies in applications for new wells for the company Fondomonte Arizona LLC, which uses sprinklers to grow alfalfa in La Paz County and exports it to feed dairy cattle in Saudi Arabia. Groundwater is unregulated in most rural areas of the state. Located on the borders of Arizona and Nevada, this desert valley is being farmed for hay and alfalfa using groundwater pulled from the Colorado River, with much of the hay exported to feed animals in Middleastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. "We need to be maximizing the amount of money that our schools receive from state trust land and the water beneath it.". In an arid pocket of Arizona's rural southwest, thirsty tufts of alfalfa are guzzling unlimited amounts of groundwater only to become fodder for dairy cows some 8,000 miles east. The drought has also made groundwater long used by farmers and rural residents with little restriction even more important for users across the state. We just cant in the midst of an epic drought afford to do dumb things with water in the state of Arizona anymore.. Here's how to save your photos. State officials recently revoked two new well-drilling permits for a Saudi Arabian agriculture company that uses Arizona groundwater to grow alfalfa to feed dairy cows overseas, and state Attorney. Left: "It is a scandal that the State of Arizona allowed this to happen," said Mayes, a Democrat, who made canceling these leases a centerpiece of her recent campaign. Katie Hobbs negotiated with leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature and won approval on Wednesday is drawing criticism from Democrats for failing to put limits on an expansion of a school voucher program that they say is a drain, Arizona governor urging Biden to designate tribally proposed monument at Grand Canyon, Kari Lake election challenge shouldnt proceed, Arizona officials say, After intense negotiations, Arizona Gov. RT @LakotaMan1: Should foreign interests, like Saudi Arabia, be allowed to siphon Arizona water while the Navajo Nation Reservation struggles for access to the same aquifers? Saudi Hay Farm In Arizona Tests State's Supply Of Groundwater Arizona Water Company. Mayes, a Democrat, sought the revocations after she said her office had found inconsistencies in the permit applications. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. The anger is justified, but it is important to remember that this problem extends far beyond a single corporation growing alfalfa. We need to have some sort of regulation so its not all just being pumped out of the ground, Irwin said. She said canceling the leases is an urgent concern because groundwater in the valley is supposed to be the state's emergency water supply during a water crisis. "I call for a cessation of these leases, an audit of the leases, and an investigation into this particular lease. How the Arizona Water Supply Is Used By a Saudi Company - Econlife Saudis Buy Huge Arizona Farmland After Sucking their own Aquifers Dry Standing up to special interests tied to Arizonas free-for-all water system wont be as easy as the anti-Saudi saber rattling seen across the state, but it is the step that is needed to prevent Arizonas water crisis from becoming a water catastrophe. "We cannot afford to give our water away frankly to anyone, let alone the Saudis, for free," said Mayes. Minnesotas Riverview Dairy company, for example, has a farm near Sunizona, Ariz., that has drained so much of the aquifer that local residents have seen their wells dry up. Amid a backlash, the state legislature is considering a ban on most foreign-owned farms.
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