Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program

A mediator has been trained to work with individuals and organizations in identifying mutually acceptable solutions to shared problems. The mediator is not a judge, but is there to direct the mediation process and stimulate communication between the involved parties. Through the process, there is no finding of right or wrong and the mediator does not impose a solution. The mediator will work with the parties to develop mutually acceptable and feasible options.

Many of our agricultural mediators have additional training related to the kinds of problems related to agricultural production. The process is based on fairness, integrity and the mediator’s skill in helping agricultural producers, agencies, companies and Rhode Island citizens to arrive at their own solutions to their problems.

Mediation is an alternative process to take a particular conflict to court and incurring burdensome legal expenses or appeal directly to the USDA. Participants in the mediation process create their own solution. The mediator does not arbitrate the settlement. Flexibility in considering a full range of realistic options is encouraged in the solution process. The fact that disputing parties are meeting together in the same room for the purpose of working out a solution to the particular matter(s) enables everyone to deal openly and knowledgeably with the full array of issues. All steps are taken to ensure confidentiality.

Confidential mediation means a mediation process in which neither the mediators nor parties participating in mediation will disclose to any person oral or written communication provided during the mediation in confidence, except as required by 5 U.S.C. 574 [Administrative Disputes Resolution Act] or 7 CFR part 785 [regulations governing the Certified Agricultural Mediation Program]. Any confidentiality is otherwise limited to the same extent provided under Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.

OAMP, Inc provides mediation services at NO-CHARGE to Oklahomans who have received an adverse decision from USDA.

Mediation takes place at a neutral site that is convenient as possible and usually close to home.

You may bring an attorney or another representative to mediation, but it is not required. Many parties attend mediation without counsel.

You can bring any documents or paperwork that will assist in explaining the issue or information that will aid in creating a solution.

Producers and their creditors and those directly affected by actions of the USDA are eligible for low or no-cost mediation services through the agricultural mediation programs.

Conflicts among the above mentioned involving at least one of the following issues:

• Wetlands determinations
• Compliance with farm programs, including conservation programs
• Agricultural loans, either guaranteed by the USDA or a third party (such as lines of credit as suppliers)
• Rural Water loan programs, rural housing loans, rural housing business loans
• Grazing on national forest system lands
• Pesticides
• USDA crop insurance programs
• Other issues considered appropriate by the Secretary

Examples of covered cases: John Deere Credit Dispute, Divorce case with involved joint ownership of FSA\FLP loan security.

HOWEVER: Most of the State’s mediation offices also mediate cases that are not covered by the USDA grant. Please contact them!

Often times we find parties in mediation have tried to resolve the matter previously, and were unable. Mediation offers the opportunity to discuss the matter with a neutral third party, who can help to increase understanding among participants, as well as help to work through potential options for an agreement. Many find that having a mediator’s help assists in breaking down some of the barriers in communication that have existed, and can get them to a point where they can explore possibilities for resolving the matter.