Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced his support for Santa Rosa Sugar LLC, a partnership between Bizos Cavallo, Vera International, and Verax Commodities, as the group leads efforts to restore the state’s sugarcane industry. The partnership recently signed a purchase agreement to acquire the assets of Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., marking the first step toward revitalizing Texas sugar production.
“Sugarcane has been part of Texas agriculture for over a century,” Commissioner Miller said. “When the mill closed in 2024, it wasn’t just a plant shutting down; it was a way of life for farm families, rural workers, and communities. Restoring sugarcane means jobs, community revitalization, and preserving an important part of Texas’s agricultural history.”
The 2024 closure of the mill had impacted between 1,100 and 2,900 jobs, including 735 to 1,435 direct farm and mill positions. The reopening of the Santa Rosa mill is expected to restore these positions and generate additional employment, boosting the regional economy.
Santa Rosa Sugar’s multi-phase plan includes:
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Phase I (2025): Land acquisition, infrastructure evaluation, rebuilding the grower supply chain, and restarting packaging and distribution.
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Phase II (2025–2026): Expanding grower networks, upgrading water systems with recycling technology, and preparing for refinery construction.
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Phase III (2026–2028): Workforce expansion, mill relaunch, and production of crystal, liquid, and powdered sugar.
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Phase IV (2028 onward): Expansion of acreage, full production integration, and nationwide distribution.
The initiative is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and thousands of permanent positions, revitalizing communities across the Rio Grande Valley.
Mario Tobon, principal and board member of Santa Rosa Sugar, said, “We are committed to restoring this industry, bringing back hundreds of family farms, and building a sustainable future for Texas sugar.”
Santa Rosa Sugar LLC combines the expertise of Bizos Cavallo, Vera International, and Verax Commodities to develop the state’s only fully integrated cane sugar operation. The partnership aims to restore the farming network and secure a sustainable sugar supply for commercial and retail markets. More information on grower partnerships and investment opportunities is available at santarosasugar.us.
