Certified Mediation Program

Stored: Certified Mediation Program

Certified 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 offer mediation services to resolve agricultural disputes, including those related to farm loans, conservation programs, and USDA agency decisions, aiming to provide an alternative to litigation and facilitate amicable resolutions among agricultural stakeholders.
Program Start	1987
Initial Funding
Duration	Indefinite
Historic	No

Certified Mediation Program (CMP) provides a mediation service for resolving conflicts within the agricultural sector, including disputes over farm loans, USDA program decisions, and other agricultural issues. By offering a neutral platform for dialogue, CMP helps producers, creditors, and others affected by agricultural policies to negotiate solutions outside of court, saving time and reducing costs.

Official Site

Goals

• Resolve agricultural disputes through a non-adversarial process.
• Provide cost-effective alternatives to litigation for dispute resolution.
• Enhance communication and understanding between parties in agricultural conflicts.

Organization

The Certified Mediation Program is managed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It operates through state-certified mediation programs, where local mediators trained in agriculture issues assist in resolving disputes. Funding comes through federal grants to states, which can also receive additional funding from state or private sources.

The leadership role is typically held by the **Administrator of the Farm Service Agency** or a designated program director.

Partners

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

History

Established under the **Agricultural Credit Act of 1987**, the CMP was created during a period of significant financial strain in the farming community to provide support through conflict resolution. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to cover a wide range of agricultural disputes, including those involving environmental concerns, family farm transitions, and program-related issues with USDA agencies. The program has been reauthorized several times, reflecting its ongoing relevance.

Funding

While specific initial funding amounts are not detailed, CMP is supported by federal grants to state programs, which may also have state or private funding sources. These funds cover mediator training, program administration, and the mediation sessions themselves.

Implementation

Implementation involves:

• Certification of state mediation programs by USDA to ensure quality and neutrality.
• Training of mediators in agricultural law, policy, and dispute resolution techniques.
• Providing mediation services at minimal or no cost to participants.

CMP is intended to continue indefinitely, providing mediation support as needed in the agricultural sector.

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:Certified Mediation Program

Social media

• No specific social media accounts for CMP; follow the USDA for updates.