(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the number of businesses listed on the state’s “Choose Iowa” website has doubled since January. The online marketplace was created during the pandemic when demand for locally raised food rose. “I want to encourage Iowans — shop local. Go to www.chooseiowa.com. You can find all manner of products — everything from cut flowers to honey to beverages to certainly protein, fruits and vegetables,” Naig said. “You name it, you can find all of the above in the Choose Iowa directory.”

This past spring the website opened up to horticulture businesses that sell trees, shrubs and other garden plants. It costs a business 100 dollars a year to be listed on Choose Iowa dot com. “Buy local and surprise some folks for Christmas this year,” Naig said.

The Choose Iowa website lets people search by location, by the name of the business or the type of product someone hopes to buy. It also includes information about whether the products can be purchased online or in person.