Agriculture Mediation Program

Agriculture Mediation Program

Type	Program
Sponsor Organization	Farm Service Agency
Top Organization	Department of Agriculture
Creation Legislation	Agricultural Credit Act of 1987
Website	Website
Purpose	To provide mediation services to agricultural producers, their creditors, and others involved in disputes related to agricultural activities, aiming to resolve conflicts outside of court, thereby saving time and resources while fostering better communication.
Program Start	1987
Initial Funding
Duration	Indefinite
Historic	Yes

The Agriculture Mediation Program is program initially authorized by the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-233, Title V, and recently amended by P.L. 106-472, Sec. 306; 7 U.S.C. 5101), to facilitate the use of mediation to settle disputes arising in conjunction with United States Department of Agriculture actions. If agreement is not reached through mediation, all parties remain free to pursue other available administrative appeals or legal actions.

This program is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Official Site

Goals

• Facilitate the resolution of agricultural disputes through mediation.
• Reduce the time, cost, and stress associated with legal battles.
• Promote understanding and cooperation among parties involved in disputes.

Organization

The Agriculture Mediation Program is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each state with an AMP operates through a Certified State Mediation Program, where local mediation services are provided by trained mediators. Funding for AMP includes federal grants and potentially state contributions, with oversight by the USDA.

The leadership role for this program at the national level is typically held by the **Administrator of the Farm Service Agency**.

Partners

• No specific partnerships are listed, but AMP collaborates with state mediation programs and sometimes with local agricultural organizations.

Dispute areas

Typical areas of dispute include

• farm loans
• farm and conservation programs
• wetland determinations
• rural water loan programs
• grazing on national forest lands
• pesticides

History

Authorized by the **Agricultural Credit Act of 1987**, AMP was created to address the financial distress in the agricultural sector during that period. Over the years, it has expanded to cover a wider array of issues, including environmental disputes, family farm transitions, and USDA program-related conflicts. The program has been reauthorized multiple times, showing its value in the agricultural community for conflict resolution.

Funding

While specific initial funding amounts are not detailed, AMP is supported by federal grants to qualifying states, which can also receive state or private funding. The funding supports the operation of state mediation programs, including mediator training, program administration, and direct mediation services.

Implementation

Implementation involves:

• Setting up state mediation programs certified by the USDA.
• Training mediators in agricultural issues and mediation techniques.
• Offering mediation services at low or no cost to participants.

AMP is designed to be an ongoing initiative, providing mediation services as needed.

Related

• Farm Service Agency
• Agricultural Credit Act of 1987

External links

• https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/mediation-program/index
• wikipedia:Agriculture Mediation Program

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from Jasper Womach, Report for Congress: Agriculture: A Glossary of Terms, Programs, and Laws, 2005 Edition, Congressional Research Service, http://ncseonline.org/nle/crsreports/05jun/97-905.pdf