Despite slumping gasoline prices and continued uncertainty about the government’s biofuel policy, ethanol and biodiesel remain critical parts of America’s energy future and the overall health of the Iowa and U.S. economy, according to speakers at the 9th annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit held last week in Altoona.

They urged farmers and those Iowans associated with the biofuel industry to express their strong support for renewable fuels to regulators, government leaders and especially to...