The Blog

Dan Newhouse, Director, Department of Agriculture

06/08/09

Gov. Gregoire’s recent agriculture mission to D.C. was a hectic, action-packed 48 hours and a resounding success. The governor and I led a delegation that was a cross section of the food and agriculture economy, including growers, shippers, retailers and policy experts. It was the first such mission on federal agriculture policy issues led by a governor of our state.

The purpose of the mission was simple: bring the voice of Washington’s agriculture community to the nation’s capital. In some ways, our message was a 30,000-foot flyover of Washington agriculture for the new decision makers of the Obama Administration. But we also dove into the thorniest issues of the day, questions that will impact the viability and profitability of agriculture in our state and across the nation.

We described the need for a legal, skilled agricultural labor force, advocated for agriculture as an asset and part of the solution in federal climate change legislation, and illustrated the importance of additional water storage for irrigation. We urged action to end punitive Mexican tariffs on our ag exports, increase funding for agricultural research, and expedite security screenings on perishable commodities.

While the governor was a firm advocate for our farmers and ranchers, she actively urged our delegates from the industry to take the lead and tell their stories. From Secretary Vilsack at USDA to Secretary Napolitano at Homeland Security, all showed a willingness to listen to the perspectives and recommendations of our industry delegation.

As one of the newest members of the governor’s cabinet, I knew this trip would be a unique experience allowing unparalleled access to key decision makers. But to meet with seven cabinet secretaries, key congressional leaders and other federal officials was beyond my expectation. Simply put, for those two days, the governor opened the doors of the Obama Administration for Washington agriculture. I know the inroads we made will prove critical as we work to move agriculture forward.