What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal process in which an impartial mediator facilitates communications between parties in an effort to help the parties reach agreement. The mediator is not a judge and cannot impose a solution on the parties. Instead, the mediator, through active listening skills and facilitative techniques, helps the parties work toward resolution. If an agreement is reached and reduced to writing, the written agreement can be enforced as a contract.

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

Mediation offers many advantages over other methods of resolving agricultural disputes because the process:

• offers parties an opportunity to start working on a resolution right away, without waiting through lengthy appeal process
• allows parties to maintain confidentiality
• allows parties who are most familiar with the dispute to devise their own solutions
• helps restore communication between disputing parties
• preserves and enhances important business relationships
• provides an impartial setting in which to openly discuss all issues involved, including sensitive financial matters and personal issues that might not be considered in an appeal or litigation setting
• may save everyone the time and cost involved with the appeal process or litigation