MEDIA RELEASE__The Ohio State University’s Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP) will host the Stinner Summit at Bluffton University on December 12 to gather people together to discuss regional challenges around food production. 

Northwest Ohio is a vital agricultural region, providing food to local, regional, and international markets. Farming is deeply woven into family and community history here. However, farmers are struggling to make ends meet, agriculture has been linked to water quality issues and one in seven people in the region are food insecure. Internal tensions have set different sectors of the community against each other, creating frustrations and misconceptions about the role that each should play to address these challenges.

This year’s event will discuss “Finding Common Ground: Connecting Farms, Food, and Community in the Western Lake Erie Watershed.” Ohio State AMP invites farmers, food processors, policy makers, consumers and others involved in food production and distribution to this event. 

Facilitated by AMP, attendees will brainstorm, outline and choose specific projects for the coming year that can be led locally with financial support from the Stinner Endowment.

The event is free and will include a lunch featuring local foods. Register HERE. Space is limited; register by December 5. If you have questions, contact Cheryl Fischnich at [email protected] or call 330-202-3537. ◾️