Is is just me, or does it sound odd that our governor is leading a "trade mission" to Washington, D.C.? What do they have that we want (except money, of course)?

I mean, it's like a headline that says, "Washington state establishes diplomatic relations with the nation's capital, a city that mistakenly gets much of our mail."

Gov. Gregoire, Agriculture Director Newhouse lead trade mission to D.C.

Meetings with federal leaders to discuss farm bill, water expansion and climate change

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire and Washington Department of Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse are traveling to Washington, D.C., today to meet with federal policy and decision makers to discuss issues surrounding the state’s agriculture industry.

“Agriculture is a vital part of our state’s economy, and I am committed to making sure we do all we can to help this industry thrive,” said Gregoire. “Our meetings with federal leaders will help us develop comprehensive strategies to ensure Washington’s agriculture industry remains profitable and productive.”

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“This mission to DC comes at a critical time,” said Newhouse, who also farms 600 acres in Sunnyside. “Producers are looking ahead toward harvest with more than a little concern about commodity prices and international demand for our farm products. The policy issues we're tackling this week will help support the long-term viability of agriculture in the state of Washington. We know this economy will turn around, and when it does, we want our farmers to be well-positioned for success.”

Gregoire and Newhouse will be meeting with several members of the Obama Administration, including:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to discuss federal stimulus money, funding for bioenergy and specialty crop research, the farm bill and the Market Access Program.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, to discuss labor issues, port inspections and the automated export system requirements for cherries.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, to discuss the need for more water storage projects.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, to discuss transportation issues.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, to talk about labor issues in the agriculture industry.

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, to discuss trade agreements, port inspection requirements and the Homeland Security impacts on trade.

United States Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Jim Miller, to talk about the Foreign Agriculture Service and develop overseas marketing strategies.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, to discuss access to chemical tools to deal with pests, disease and climate change.

Since 2005, Gregoire has led trade missions to Australia, China, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Taiwan to help expand Washington’s $42 billion agriculture industry. As a result of her trade missions, Gregoire has had success eliminating some trade barriers and tariffs and opening more opportunities for Washington growers, producers and distributors.

Accompanying Gregoire and Newhouse are Supervalu International President Charles Witzleben, Sakuma Brothers President and Co-Owner Steve Sakuma, Washington Grain Alliance Chief Executive Officer Tom Mick, Northwest Horticulture Council President Christian Schlect, Washington State Potato Commission Executive Director Chris Voight, and Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association Executive Director Keith Mathews.