(1) The task force created in Section 73-10g-202 shall: (a) identify critical issues facing the state's long-term water supply, particularly in regard to how the state should optimize agricultural water supply and use in light of future population growth, and the future water needs of Utah agriculture; (b) identify current obstacles to, and constraints upon, quantification of agricultural water use, and recommend means, methods, technologies, or other opportunities to improve the quantification of agricultural water use on a basin level; and (c) identify means, methods, systems, or technologies with the potential to maintain or increase agricultural production while reducing the agriculture industry's water diversion and consumption.

(a) identify critical issues facing the state's long-term water supply, particularly in regard to how the state should optimize agricultural water supply and use in light of future population growth, and the future water needs of Utah agriculture;

(b) identify current obstacles to, and constraints upon, quantification of agricultural water use, and recommend means, methods, technologies, or other opportunities to improve the quantification of agricultural water use on a basin level; and

(c) identify means, methods, systems, or technologies with the potential to maintain or increase agricultural production while reducing the agriculture industry's water diversion and consumption.

(2) The task force shall issue requests for proposals and award grants to study the issues identified in Subsection (1), prioritizing proposals and grants as necessary.

(3) In identifying critical issues as described in Subsection (1), and prioritizing requests for proposals and grants as described in Subsection (2), the task force shall: (a) identify, develop, and apply sound science and relevant research on optimizing agricultural water use; (b) measure gains at the basin level; (c) take into account the variety of agricultural products, opportunities to improve water use practices, and local needs; (d) address and account for farm economics at the enterprise and community level; (e) work within existing agricultural markets or encourage market behavior that financially rewards improved practices; (f) recognize established water rights; (g) create meaningful benefits for farmers to optimize water use and protect water quality; (h) monitor funded research projects and evaluate the efficacy of completed research; and (i) disseminate research findings.

(a) identify, develop, and apply sound science and relevant research on optimizing agricultural water use;

(b) measure gains at the basin level;

(c) take into account the variety of agricultural products, opportunities to improve water use practices, and local needs;

(d) address and account for farm economics at the enterprise and community level;

(e) work within existing agricultural markets or encourage market behavior that financially rewards improved practices;

(f) recognize established water rights;

(g) create meaningful benefits for farmers to optimize water use and protect water quality;

(h) monitor funded research projects and evaluate the efficacy of completed research; and

(i) disseminate research findings.

(4) The task force shall report on its progress under this section by November 30, of each year, to: (a) the Legislative Water Development Commission; (b) the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee; and (c) the Executive Water Task Force.

(a) the Legislative Water Development Commission;

(b) the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee; and

(c) the Executive Water Task Force.