Whether from dwindling supplies, international turmoil, or regulations, we can expect fossil fuel prices to remain turbulent and high—along with the many basic farm inputs derived from petroleum. Farm operators have no choice but to absorb these price increases. Or do they?

The Ohio State University’s Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP) invites farmers, policymakers, educators, food processors and distributors, researchers, and non-profits to join us for an all-day event on September 18. At the 20th annual Stinner Summit, attendees will brainstorm, discuss, and prioritize projects that could reduce our farming systems’ dependence on fossil fuel-based inputs. The Summit process invites people from different backgrounds to share their ideas and experiences.

Farmers and others are responding to high fuel and input prices in many ways, including agroecological and regenerative approaches that reduce the need for inputs, alternative fuels and energy sources, and more energy efficient local food supply chains. Together we will discuss the pros and cons of strategies and projects that can be supported by the Stinner Endowment.

Each year, we convene a “Stinner Summit” in different parts of Ohio, inviting local farm and food stakeholders to identify projects that can address regional challenges. Using a participatory process, the group brainstorms, develops, and votes on specific project ideas that can be led locally with financial support from our Stinner Endowment.

This year, we will gather at Malabar Farms in Lucas, Ohio, on September 18, 2026. We hope to see many friends and partners from the past 20 years as well as new faces! Our event caters to farmers, policy makers, educators, food processors, consumers, or anyone else interested in creating projects that better connect farmers, food, land, and people.

There is no cost to attend, but you must register by Friday, September 11, here.