Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stressed his commitment to energy independence in an agricultural policy white paper released on Tuesday.

Governor Romney’s agenda for energy independence includes maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), “fulfilling the federal government’s commitment to biofuels growers and refiners and providing them the certainty they need to followthrough on their investments in promising technologies.”

“We applaud Governor Romney’s continuing support of domestic renewable fuels and his recognition of the importance of the RFS,” said Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen. “We also appreciate Governor Romney’s business acumen when it comes to the importance of certainty to investors in the next generation of biofuels.”

Jim Nussle President and Chief Operating Officer of Growth Energy, says they are pleased to see Romney make maintaining the RFS a key component of his campaign. “This plan signals to investors and producers that America’s commitment to reducing our dependence on foreign oil and creating jobs that revitalize rural America remain a top priority for a candidate seeking the office of the Presidency,” said Nussle. “Governor Romney understands that when it comes to energy security and domestic energy development, continued dependency on foreign sources is not acceptable.”

The Romney white paper included “did you know?” information about ethanol such as “The Production Of Ethanol Has Created Economic Prosperity For U.S. Farmers” and “Ethanol Has Become And Continues To Be An Important Presence In Rural Iowa.” The release of Romney’s rural policy paper coincided with his appearance Tuesday at an Iowa farm.

Read the entire Romney Agriculture White Paper.