USDA agencies offer mediation to anyone who has received an adverse decision as part of the informal appeals process. Mediation is an informal process. An impartial mediator facilitates communications between parties in an effort to help the parties reach agreement. The mediator is not a judge and cannot impose a solution on the parties. Instead, the mediator, through active listening skills and facilitative techniques, helps the parties work toward resolution. If an agreement is reached and reduced to writing, the written agreement can be enforced.
NCAMP mediates both covered and non-covered cases. Covered cases are at no cost to you and include:
Here is an illustration of covered cases (excluding foreclosures):
Non-covered cases include everything else, such as:
There is no charge for a covered mediation, as described above. There is a charge for non-covered cases, but the USDA or another entity may elect to cover all or part of the charge.
Mediation offers you many advantages over other methods of resolving agricultural disputes including appealing to the National Appeals Division because the process:
Videos and articles about mediation are available under the tab labeled Resources for Farmers