Morris County Agriculture Development Board

In 2001, the SADC created the Agricultural Mediation Program. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a trained, impartial mediator helps disputing parties examine their mutual problems, identify and consider options, and determine if they can agree on a solution. A mediator has no decision-making authority. Successful mediation is based on the voluntary cooperation and participation of all the parties.

Mediation can save time and costly legal fees. It is a free and confidential service, and generally takes only a few meetings to complete.

Mediation can be used to resolve Right to Farm disputes between farmes and their neighbors, between farmers and municipalities, credit disputes with the Farm Service Agency or private lenders, and other conflicts involving U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.

The program is available as an alternative to the Conflict Resolution Process under the Right to Farm Act. Under the Conflict Resolution Process, complaints are addressed through a series of formal public hearings in which testimony is presented and witnesses may be called. If participation in the Mediation Program is desired, it should be requested before public hearings begin. A Mediation Request Form is available from the SADC web site (see below) or by calling (609) 984-2504.