Mediation
|
|
What is CAMP? |
One
WHAT IS CAMP?
The Colorado Department of Agriculture established the Colorado Agricultural Mediation Program in 2002 to help farmers and ranchers who are dealing with contentious issues.
WHAT DOES CAMP OFFER?
- Provides alternative dispute resolution opportunities for Colorado agricultural borrowers and creditors.
- Provides dispute resolution for farmers with non-credit issues such as crop insurance, wetlands, grazing, water rights and land.
- Helps Colorado farmers facing financial adversity through the mediation.
- Revitalizes the economic base of rural communities.
IS IT CONFIDENTIAL?
The mediation process allows the parties to speak openly about the issues in a confidential manner. Colorado law provides, with some limitations, that mediations are confidential and privileged. None of the parties to mediation can subpoena the mediator, and nothing specific to the mediation can be admissible in any later administrative or judicial proceeding.
WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that helps identify issues, options and possible solutions. It gives customers an option before resorting to litigation. As a neutral third party, the mediator does not determine who is right or wrong and only serves to facilitate open, frank discussion of the issues. A successful mediation is based on the voluntary cooperation and participation of all the parties.
WHY CHOOSE MEDIATION?
Most importantly, mediation maintains confidentiality, restores communication and fosters important business relationships. It provides a neutral setting where individuals can openly discuss sensitive issues and reach acceptable solutions. The minimal cost of mediation provides an affordable alternative to litigation.
Six
WHO REQUESTS MEDIATION?
Mediation usually begins after contact between agricultural producers and other parties have failed. Mediation may be initiated by either party and may include counseling and financial analysis.
WHAT TOPICS CAN BE MEDIATED?
- Ag Credit Mediations. A mediation involving a credit issue may be requested by any Colorado agricultural borrower or creditor. Typical creditors include banks, suppliers, co-ops, implement dealers, Farm Credit Services and the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
- USDA Adverse Actions. Program areas include conservation or farm programs, wetland determinations, rural water loan programs, grazing on national forest lands and pesticides.
HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK?
Individuals with disputes have the opportunity to request mediation services. Mediation officials then assign one or more mediators to the case, and participants may accept or eliminate these mediators. Once a mediator is accepted, all potential parties are advised that mediation is underway and can participate. The mediator schedules a time and place to meet that is convenient to all parties. The process can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the issues.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The fee for mediation begins at $50 per party for the first four hours and $25 per party for each hour thereafter. Participants are responsible for all additional legal or financial advisors.
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
Contact the Colorado Agricultural Mediation Program, if you have questions or would like additional information. The program is administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture Farm Products Section.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.