• That the formal process can sometimes seem adversarial and leave relationships strained, and
• That there are benefits to resolving conflicts in a less formal fashion, such as forging better relationships and preventing additional conflicts in the future.

The Right to Farm Program's informal process involves participation in the Agricultural Mediation Program. This program is coordinated by the Right to Farm Program and is offered to all participants free of charge.

To use the mediation program, both parties must voluntary request mediation by completing a Request for Mediation form. Mediation is an alternative to the more lengthy public hearing process and should be requested before public hearings begin. Mediation typically involves one, or perhaps two, short sessions.

Each mediation session is facilitated by a trained, impartial mediator whose job is not to impose a solution but to rather facilitate discussion. The mediator helps disputing parties examine their mutual problems, identify and consider options, and determine if they can agree on a solution. Because the mediator has no decision-making authority, successful mediation is based on the voluntary participation and cooperation of all the parties.

• Fact Sheet
• Program Regulations

• For Right to Farm disputes
• For USDA Program disputes (e.g., ag credit disputes involving FSA)
• For Other general disputes involving a farm
  

• USDA Agricultural Mediation Program homepage
• Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs (CAMP) 
• Mediation Success Stories - finding common ground and achieving positive results