A sign in front of Fondomonte's 10,000 acre farm in La Paz County shows that, as of July 2024, the company is hiring.
Documents obtained by AZPM show that in July, an alfalfa farming operation with backing from Saudi Arabia applied for a new well on its property.
The move, along with a 'now hiring' banner hanging from the sign at its main entrance appear to show the company is growing its Arizona operation despite the loss of state land leases.
Fondomonte's new well is permitted to go 1,000-1,500 feet deep and pump water at a rate of 3,000 gallons per minute.
To compare, wells that state regulators dub as exempt--which are typical for domestic use, pump up to 35 gallons per minute. The average depth of an exempt well in La Paz County is about 240 feet.
A list of permitted wells in Arizona shows this would be Fondomonte's 33rd.
When asked about such operations, Governor Katie Hobbs said current laws are not able to stop companies from doing such acts on private land.
"We would need legislation to change that. There's not an executive tool that we have, so we're continuing to look at all of the options," she said.
The governor's office has taken steps to end Fondomonte's state land leases in La Paz County, though Arizona Department of Land's website still shows some are active.
Arizona law allows private landowners whose property is outside of regulated areas to dig wells with proper permitting.
For years, Fondomonte has garnered national attention as it grows the thirsty crop in Arizona and exported most of what it grows to feed cows in Saudi Arabia.
County officials worry that pumping is causing area wells to dry up and the land above the aquifer to sink.
AZPM has routinely sought comment from Fondomonte, but has yet to have an email or phone call returned.
This story is part of AZPM's continuing coverage of water issues. For more download our podcast Tapped. This season includes a full episode on Fondomonte and the history of Arizona's relationship with Saudi Arabia.
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