Dathan Trevino SANTA ROSA– After five decades of business, the Rio Grande Valley’s last sugar mill is closing its doors leaving an impact in the valley.
In the official press release from Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers inc., water shortages in Mexico were stated as the official cause to the company’s closing.
The company stated and I quote, “The US State Department’s unwillingness to prioritize the citizens and agricultural producers of South Texas has led to numerous water shortages in our area,” end quote.
Chairman for the RGVSG, Tudor Uhlhorn, said the decision was made proactively — knowing in advance there would be a lack of water for the next harvest.
“Knowing that we didn’t have enough acres to grind, that the best thing to do for the employees as well as the growers and all our suppliers and the people we sell sugar to, would be to close down in time when we still had enough funds, that we think we could liquidate the mill and pay off all our debts,” said Uhlhorn
Uhlhorn says the official closing date will be April 29, which leaves laid-off employees two months to look for work. Until then, employees will still receive pay, benefits, and networking opportunities.
KVAQ-TV reached out to the city of Santa Rosa for a comment but did not receive an official statement.
