The following three scenarios represent examples of issues that bring people to mediation and solutions that may result...

I . The family operated the farm for many years. The parents want to keep the farm within the family but their children don’t agree on how to do this. One child wants to stay on the farm and the others want to sell the land. A mediation is arranged to let the parents and children discuss their desires for the future of the farm.

As a result, the family decide to use land preservation and insurance options to keep it in agriculture and also provide an inheritance for those children who have left the farm.

II . A farm has experienced financial losses in recent years. The family’s good reputation allowed them to get loans, but the farmer realized that he would not produce enough income that year to make payments.

Through mediation, the farmer and lender worked together to develop a solution. The farmer was able to pay the loan and avoid bankruptcy, and the bank preserved a valuable customer.

III . Over the years a farm has slowly become surrounded by a residential community. In the past, the farmer had used cow manure as a fertilizer, but recently switched to poultry manure. Community residents quickly made complaints to local officials about the different, and perhaps stronger, odor.

A mediation is arranged with the farmer, community members and local officials. The farmer and neighbors develop a better understanding of each other’s needs and agree to resolve any future issues together without involving legal or government officials.

If you think that the Agriculture Mediation Program may help you, please contact Community Mediation Services for more information.