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be reliably present if the field work is uncertain. In general, the delegates stated that a strong agricultural economy serves Colorado well by providing food security iobs, rural commu- versus surface water appropriators, senior versus junior water rights, water short- ages, and proximity to urban water mar- kets. One delegate remarked that water was the single most divisive issue facing Colorado agriculture. Additionally, some paradoxes were identi- fied that challenge the Ag community. Chief among these is the individual right to sell water rights to the highest bidder, versus the general interest in thriving rural com- munities and a healthy agricultural economy. A second paradox is a rock -solid belief in the doctrine of prior ap- propriation, in contrast with the clear need for more flexibility in the way water is adminis- tered in Colorado. Delegates discuss options in breakout sessions (above). MaryLou Smith of Aquaengineering with panel of del- egates report on options identified by groups. Many common interests were identified that serve to unite agriculture. Among these is the general inter- est in helping farmers and ranchers remain profitable, with adequate water supplies and supporting infra- structure. Unreliable water supplies will eventually erode the markets for Colorado Ag products that have been developed as a result of much community effort. Intermittent water will not preserve the ditch infrastructures and operating practices, nor will labor nities, open space, wildlife habitat, a sense of our heri- tage, and a buffer to the envi- ronmental and social impacts of population growth. The delegates discussed many ideas for strengthen- ing Ag's position in water management and policy. In general, it was agreed that greater communication and cooperation both within Ag and with the larger water community is needed to find solutions that are in the best interest of Colorado. More storage, more flexibility, more options for Ag pro- ducers, more cooperation from federal agencies, more education and more research are all needed to help us de- velop cooperative solutions to Colorado's water needs, while sustaining a healthy Ag industry in the state. At the end of the Ag Water Summit, delegates focused their attention on future steps for the Ag community as it attempts to unite and strengthen its ability to nego- tiate for a better future. They discussed the need for a new state -wide Ag water organization, versus the potential benefits of working more closely with the Colorado Water Congress. In the end, a decision was made to have the participating Ag organizations work with the Ag Council to form an interim think -tank to further explore the options and strategies that the Ag groups should cooperatively pursue. The interim group will report back to the com- munity at large at the upcoming Ag Outlook Forum on February 23, 2006 in Denver. For more information, contact Reagan Waskom at (970) 491 -2947 or reagan.waskom @colostate.edu. 25