View source for National Appeals Division

The '''National Appeals Division''' (NAD) of [[USDA]] was established by the [[Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994]] (Title II of P.L. 103-354) to consolidate and improve the hearing procedures for USDA claims and disputes. The statute and regulations provide that certain sections of the [[Administrative Procedure Act (United States)|Administrative Procedure Act]] (APA) (P.L. 79-404, as amended), including the hearing requirements, do not apply to NAD proceedings.  The NAD procedures govern informal and formal hearings covering appeals of decisions made by the rural development agencies, [[Natural Resources Conservation Service]], [[Risk Management Agency]], and the [[Farm Service Agency]].  The statute and regulations set forth the procedures for hearings, requirements for the presiding officers, requirements for communications between the decision-maker and persons interested in the matter, and other important issues.  After a decision is made by an Administrative Judge, both the appellant and the agency have the right to a review by the NAD director, who then issues a final determination.  The final determination of the NAD is reviewable and enforceable by the [[United States district court|U.S. District Court]] in accordance with the judicial review provisions of the APA.