The Buzz
Arizona/Saudi relations go back long before Fondomonte
Aug 30, 2024
Explore the deep-rooted ties between Arizona and Saudi Arabia that trace back to before statehood. Discover the intriguing legacy of High Jolly and the Camel Corps, highlighting the uniqueness of camel transport in agriculture. Delve into the agricultural rivalries that shape production, especially with dates, between Arizona and California, alongside influences from notable Saudi visits. Examine the significant challenges of foreign land ownership and water resource management as Saudi entities expand agricultural interests in the region.
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Quick takeaways
- Arizona's historical agricultural ties with Saudi Arabia date back to the 19th century, influencing modern investments like Fondomonte's land acquisitions.
- The unregulated water extraction by Fondomonte raises concerns about local resource sustainability, drastically affecting rural Arizona communities' access to water.
Deep dives
Saudi Agricultural Investments in Arizona
Saudi Arabia has been purchasing agricultural land in Arizona, particularly in La Paz County, to address its water scarcity issues. The company Fonda Monte, linked to Saudi investments, manages approximately 10,000 acres dedicated to growing alfalfa, a water-intensive crop. This shift towards land acquisition abroad was prompted by the depletion of Saudi aquifers, leading to a strategic pivot in government subsidies to facilitate foreign land purchases. The ownership of this land has raised concerns among local residents about water access and resource distribution, as many local wells are running dry due to the extensive pumping by Fonda Monte.
