DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowa food and agricultural companies interested in entering the export market to consider participating in “Getting Started in Exporting Workshop on Wednesday, July 15.  Northey will be speaking to the workshop, which is being hosted by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The deadline to register is Thursday, July 2nd and the cost is $50 per company.  The event will be held at the Iowa Farm Bureau office in West Des Moines. “Exports play a vital role in profitability of Iowa farmers and agribusinesses,” Northey said.  “This workshop is designed to help businesses determine if they are ‘export ready’ and understand what steps they need to take next.” For questions or registration information please contact the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s Mark Fischer at 515-725-3140 mark.fischer@iowalifechanging.com or Lisa Mason at 515-725-3139 lisa.mason@iowalifechanging.com Northey, a corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are the opportunities in renewable energy, conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture. Additional information from the Iowa Department of Economic Development about the event can be found by clicking here. - 30 -