Skip to Content

In Arizona, fresh scrutiny of Saudi-owned farm’s water use

KTVZ

By SUMAN NAISHADHAM
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — 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. 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. The state last week rescinded a pair of drilling permits that would have allowed Fondomonte to pump up to 3,000 gallons of water per minute to irrigate its forage crops. That came amid a broader examination of the company’s operations by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes. Fondomonte has said in the past its operations are legal and it has spent millions to improve infrastructure.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content