USDA Certifies Maryland's Ag Mediation Program

September 8, 1999

A new program in Maryland offers mediation as an option to resolve disputes in which farmers are involved. The program offers a mediator for issues between borrowers and creditors, producers and government agencies and farmers and non-farming neighbors.

"Mediation is a valuable and often time-saving means of settling conflicts and misunderstandings before they become more serious," says Maryland Agriculture Secretary Henry Virts. "Because mediation does not produce winners or losers, it often is more satisfactory to the parties than other forms of dispute resolution."

Maryland's agriculture mediation program is called FARM SENSE -- "Farm, Agricultural and Rural Mediation: Solid Efforts to Negotiate Solutions Effectively." Mediation may not be the answer for every conflict, says program director Jane Storrs, but in other instances, it does make sense.

Following an initial consultation with program staff, FARM SENSE will help the parties select a mediator and initiate the mediation process. Staff services are free, but the costs of a mediator will be shared by the parties involved. The fees may be adjusted or waived depending on income levels of the participants.