What Can Be Mediated?

Agricultural mediation has helped resolve problems of all sizes for farms of all sizes. Mediation can be used at any time—before a conflict escalates or when things are already full blown. 

 
 

Workplace issues

The New York State Agricultural Mediation Program offers services that can be used to improve the quality of your conversations or help sort through a conflict in a workplace when support is needed.

 

Interpersonal Farm Family Issues

NYSAMP can offer services for a range of issues for farm families. Please reach out if you would like to see if our services are a good fit for your situation. Here are some examples of situations:

  • Resolving co-parenting issues for parents living apart who might need to adjust child-care responsibilities.

  • Coming to agreements about custody, visitation, and child support.

  • Challenges between parents/guardians and adolescent children.

  • Disputes between family members and other relatives.

  • Siblings and extended family members making decisions about elder care issues.

 

Farm Transitions

Different tools for different needs.

Farm families and farm enterprises contact us at different stages of a farm transition. Each situation is unique and we customize services to match needs.

Conflict Coaching

Conflict coaching is a process used to help one person get clear about their feelings and needs, possible options, and next steps when in a conflict.

Family Meeting

A facilitator helps the family develop an agenda, assures all have a chance to speak and be heard and drafts up any decisions the family makes during a family meeting.

Mediation

Mediation can be used when there is a one-on-one conflict or when there are tensions that need to be discussed among multiple people.

 

Credit and Debt issues

A mediator can help a farmer negotiate realistic plans with lenders or suppliers when they owe money and are struggling to pay on time. A mediator can also help a farmer with small or large claim issues or to have a conversation to resolve issues and maintain business relationships when someone owes them money.

 

Neighbor Disputes

Individuals or communities seek mediation when they are looking to sort out concerns without going to court.

 

USDA 

Customers of the USDA have the right to appeal certain adverse decisions by using mediation. NYSAMP gives producers and USDA representatives a flexible and confidential way to clarify decisions and problems, explore options, and, when possible, develop workable solutions.

USDA disclaimer

 

FARM LEASES

Going beyond a handshake.

Facilitation

Proactive meetings in the first two years of a lease for landowners and farmers to address any concerns with their situation. Facilitators help draft agendas, provide a process for discussion and document any changes to working agreements.

Mediation

Useful when there are disagreements/conflict and either or both landowner and farmer would like supported conversations to explore issues and solutions.

 
 

Contact us for an initial confidential conversation and we can discuss options for your situation. Consultations are free and confidential.