IRFA Statement on Bill Northey

Contact: Emma Koehler
515-252-6249

JOHNSTON, IA - Today the entire agriculture community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

"As a farmer, president of both National and Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, USDA Undersecretary, and Agribusiness Association of Iowa CEO, Bill has always been a thoughtful but forceful leader for farmers and rural America. He was an incredible friend to ethanol and biodiesel producers because he saw the big picture. This wasn't just about turning a profit - this was about preserving a way of rural life.

"Others can talk more about that. My favorite meetings with Bill and Cindy weren't at his official office, but rather at church. Bill was just a great human being. The few times I met his kids you just knew instantly that they had great parents. My heart goes out to Cindy and the entire family. I hope they can take some small measure of solace from knowing that Bill left an impact, not just on farm policy and practices, but on the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him."

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state's liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation's leader in renewable fuels production with ethanol refineries capable of producing billion gallons annually - including production capacity - and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 400 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

###