Helping Agriculture Find A Path Forward

The Oregon Certified Agricultural Mediation Program (OCAMP), offered through Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center, connects farmers and ranchers across Oregon with free or low-cost mediation to help work things out — no courtroom required.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a collaborative, structured process that helps people resolve disputes by finding common ground and creating solutions that last. Unlike rigid legal battles that can leave parties feeling drained and unheard, our framework focuses on interest-based negotiation. Instead of focusing on arguments, we dig deeper to uncover underlying needs, helping everyone address the real roots of the conflict.

Our roster features highly trained dispute resolution professionals with specialized expertise in agriculture. Working neutrally as facilitators rather than judges, our mediators help you:

- Break through communication barriers.
- Facilitate calm, rational discussions.
- Clarify the core issues.
- Explore creative options.
- Document final agreements.

This is your process – let’s make it work for you.

What Can We Mediate?

USDA Decisions

Mediate challenges regarding FSA, NRCS, and Forest Service appeals. We help you navigate program eligibility and compliance issues with a neutral perspective.

Agricultural Loans

Resolve conflicts involving USDA loans, private creditors, or debt restructuring, Our process facilitates professional dialogue to find sustainable financial paths forward.

Land Use and Leases

Navigate complex disputes over grazing permits, wetland determinations, and property leases. We help clarify agreements and protect your operational interests.

Farm Transitions

Facilitate sensitive discussions regarding family business transitions and inheritance. We provide a structured environment to ensure the legacy of your farm remains intact.

MEDIATION COSTS

USDA Agency Issues

FREE

- All services to Oregon’s agricultural community for issues involving any USDA agency.
- 100% Free

Other Agricultural Issues

$0 – $175

- First four hours are FREE
- Additional sessions are $175 per party/session
- Sliding scale may be provided for accessibility

Case Studies and Testimonials

“The dedication of Agricultural Mediation Program mediators and their ability to get all the necessary parties willing to work together constructively made it possible to reach a positive outcome in a case where it didn’t seem likely.”

USDA Employee

Restructuring Farm Loan to Feed Supply Store

“Drowning in feed supply debt with interest piling up, this farmer couldn’t see a way out — and the supplier faced an impossible choice: keep feeding their livestock and watch the debt grow, or cut the farmer off and watch the farm fail. After FSA referred them to the agricultural mediation program, all parties sat down and realized we all wanted the same thing – the farm to succeed. Together we worked out a loan restructuring plan that let the farmer pay back every dollar while keeping the feed supply store financially whole.“

“The mediation enabled the parties to communicate their interests clearly and effectively and reach a resolution quickly that was acceptable by all parties. I felt really good about how the mediation was conducted and would use Agricultural Mediation Program’s services again.”

Commercial Lender

NRCS Cost Share Dispute

After entering a cost-share agreement with NRCS for a manure storage system, I discovered the contractor hadn’t followed all the contract specifications — so I refused to pay the remaining balance.

Tensions were high. Through mediation, the farmer, NRCS, and contractor all sat down together to walk through exactly what was done differently and why. The confidential setting allowed everyone to speak openly about their concerns and explore solutions without fear. In the end, we reached an agreement that worked for all parties – and established a clear path for resolving any problems down the road.

“I tried to resolve my dispute on my own for 18 months but was shot down on every avenue I tried. Once we got into mediation, they really started to listen to me for the first time and we were able to resolve the dispute quickly.”

Oregon Farmer

Managing Family Farm Transitions

Farm transition brought complex loan and family dynamics – cash flow concerns, sibling equity, and lender negotiations all creating tension. The agricultural mediation program helped our family work through financial and management conflicts before they could do lasting damage.