I’ll help you create a long-form blog post about Saudi Farms’ water use in Arizona. I’ll first do a web search to gather accurate and current information. Based on the search results, I’ll craft the blog post using HTML format:
The Water Extraction Controversy
Since 2014, Fondomonte, a Saudi Arabian agricultural company, has been operating massive alfalfa farms in La Paz County, Arizona. The company has been pumping billions of gallons of groundwater annually, with little to no restrictions, raising significant concerns among local residents and state officials.
Key details of their water usage are staggering:
- In 2022 alone, Fondomonte used 5.3 billion gallons of water
- The company operates multiple wells capable of pumping up to 4,000 gallons of water per minute
- Their operations have been documented to cause land subsidence of up to 9.8 inches in the immediate vicinity of their farms
Legal and Environmental Implications
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken unprecedented action against Fondomonte. In a landmark public nuisance lawsuit, she is seeking to stop the excessive groundwater pumping and establish an abatement fund to compensate affected community members.
The lawsuit highlights several critical issues:
- Neighboring wells have gone dry, including the Friendship Baptist Church's well in 2017
- Local ranchers and residents report significant water level declines
- The pumping threatens the long-term water security of rural Arizona communities
Background of Saudi Agricultural Strategy
Fondomonte's presence in Arizona is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia. After depleting their own groundwater resources, the country has encouraged agricultural companies to seek water supplies overseas. This approach has transformed Arizona's desert into an unlikely international agricultural battleground.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Governor Katie Hobbs has taken decisive steps to address the situation:
- Terminated Fondomonte’s lease on 3,500 acres of state-owned land
- Rescinded approval for new deep water wells
- Initiated efforts to protect Arizona’s water resources for future generations
🚰 Note: As of February 15, 2026, Fondomonte has ceased irrigating farms in the Butler Valley groundwater basin.
The unfolding story of Saudi farms in Arizona represents a critical moment in water resource management, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive groundwater regulations and sustainable agricultural practices.
How much water was Fondomonte using in Arizona?
+In 2022, Fondomonte used approximately 5.3 billion gallons of groundwater in Arizona, with wells capable of pumping up to 4,000 gallons per minute.
Why is Fondomonte farming in Arizona?
+After depleting their own groundwater resources, Saudi Arabia encouraged companies like Fondomonte to seek agricultural opportunities overseas, using Arizona’s relatively unregulated groundwater to grow alfalfa for export.
What actions has Arizona taken against Fondomonte?
+Governor Katie Hobbs terminated Fondomonte’s land leases, and Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a public nuisance lawsuit to stop excessive groundwater pumping and establish an abatement fund.