Pennsylvania Agricultural Mediation Program
Program Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Mediation Program makes grants to state-designated entities that provide alternative dispute resolution through mediation to agricultural producers, their lenders and others directly affected by the actions of certain USDA agencies. In mediation, a trained, impartial mediator helps participants review and discuss their conflicts, identify options to resolve disputes and agree on solutions. Ideally, this process helps avoid expensive and time-consuming administrative appeals and/or litigation. These grants are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Cases covered by the grants include agricultural loans, whether made by USDA or commercial lenders, and disputes involving USDA actions on farm and conservation programs, wetland determinations, rural water loan programs, grazing on national forest system lands, pesticides, rural housing and business loans, and crop insurance.
How Mediation Works
USDA program participants are offered the opportunity to request mediation prior to a formal administrative appeal. If this option is requested, some state programs provide assistance to prepare participants for the mediation session, which is held at a time and place convenient to all parties. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator has no decision-making authority and is present only to help participants discuss and explore their issues in a useful, non-confrontational manner. Successful mediation is based on the cooperation and involvement of all participants. Mediation can be accomplished in one meeting or may take several sessions depending on the complexity of the issues and the number of participants. If an agreement is not reached, the case is closed and all parties remain free to pursue other available administrative appeals and/or legal action.
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in the mediation program, please contact us by email or phone using the information listed below. Let us know the nature of the dispute, the county or location of the dispute, and your contact information.
Many of our staff work from home. Our primary office is staffed by our office administrators from 9-5pm (ET). Feel free to send us mail and leave messages; our our office administrators will forward messages to the appropriate staff attorney. To reach us quickly, send an email to AgMediation@PennStateLaw.psu.edu.
View our brochure here.
PA Program Contact
Jackie Schweichler, Director
AgMediation@pennstatelaw.psu.edu
The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law
Penn State Law
The Pennsylvania State University
329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 118
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-4290
