What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process that helps people resolve difficult conflicts with the help of a neutral third party. The mediator does not make decisions but helps everyone talk through the issues and find common ground. During mediation, the mediator:
- Brings everyone together
- Helps guide the conversation
- Encourages open and respectful dialogue
- Stays neutral and does not take sides
If successful, the people involved agree on a solution, which may include a written settlement agreement. Mediation is often faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court.
Mediation can help with farm-related disputes such as:
- Conflicts between employers and employees
- Odor or nuisance complaints
- Trespass or property line disputes
- Issues between landlords and tenant farmers
- Farm product sales contract disputes
- Irrigation or water use conflicts
- Family farm business or succession disagreements
Oregon's USDA Certified Agricultural Mediation Program
The
USDA Oregon Certified Agricultural Mediation Program (OCAMP) is the official United States Department of Agriculture-certified agricultural mediation program for Oregon. OCAMP
provides free mediation services to the agricultural community in
Oregon for issues involving a USDA agency. For other agricultural-related disputes,
OCAMP provides the first four hours of mediation services at no cost. After that, additional sessions are charged at $175 per session per party. A sliding scale may be available based on need.
To learn more or request services please contact OCAMP directly.
After participating in mediation:
- More than 95% of participants said they would recommend mediation
- More than 85% of participants indicated they were satisfied with the outcome
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