Not every farm dispute needs to go to court. The Maryland Agricultural Conflict Resolution Program (MACRP), a USDA-certified program, helps farmers, lenders, landowners, and agencies resolve conflicts through confidential, low- or no-cost mediation.
How can MACRP help?
The Maryland Agricultural Conflict Resolution Program (MACRP) is Maryland's USDA-certified agricultural mediation program. MACRP brings together the University of Maryland's Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland Extension, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Francis King Carey School of Law's Center for Dispute Resolution. We help farmers, landowners, lenders, families, neighbors, and agencies work through disagreements with the help of a trained, neutral mediator. You can contact us directly or be referred by USDA or another agency.
Ready to get started?
Request Mediation Prefer another way? Call 301-405-3541, or email agmediation@umd.edu.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a structured conversation guided by a trained, neutral mediator who helps people discuss their disagreements and work toward a solution they all can accept. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for the people involved. Instead, everyone has a chance to explain their concerns and help decide on an outcome.
Mediation through MACRP is:
- Neutral. The mediator represents no one and has no stake in the outcome.
- Voluntary. Everyone takes part by choice and can leave at any time.
- Confidential. What is said in mediation stays there and cannot be used in a later appeal or legal action.
Our mediators receive additional training to understand agricultural issues, including farm loans, land leases, and family farm transitions.
What types of disputes can MACRP help with?
MACRP can help with many disagreements that affect agricultural operations. Examples include:
| Type of issue | Examples |
|---|---|
| USDA decisions | Unfavorable decisions by USDA agencies, such as Farm Service Agency loan or program decisions. |
| Credit | Farm loan problems, overdue payments, foreclosure. |
| Leases | Land or equipment rental disputes, lease renewals, and notice. |
| Neighbors and communities | Conflicts between farms and non-farming neighbors, such as shared roads and access. |
| Family and transition | Family farm disagreements, inheritance, retirement, and transition planning. |
MACRP also serves a range of agricultural industries in Maryland, including aquaculture, tree farming, beekeeping, horticulture, urban farming, state forestry, and seafood industries.
Why choose mediation?
- It costs less and moves faster than court. You avoid most legal expenses and long waits.
- You write the solution. The parties design an agreement that works for them, rather than having one imposed.
- Everything is on the table. Sitting down together lets you deal with the full set of issues, not just the narrow legal question.
- You keep your options. If you don't reach agreement, you can still pursue an appeal, legal action, or other remedies. Mediation is never meant as a delay tactic.
- Relationships can survive. That matters when the other party is a sibling, a landlord, a lender, or the neighbor you'll see for years.
How much does mediation cost?
Your initial consultation and first mediation session are free. If more sessions are needed, the parties may share a modest fee. Full or partial fee waivers are available based on income.
If you choose to bring your own attorney, accountant, or other advisor, you are responsible for their services.
How to request mediation?
- Contact us. Complete the Mediation Request Form. You can also call 301-405-3541 or email agmediation@umd.edu. Any farmer, organization, or individual with a farm-related dispute can ask.
- We contact everyone. We contact the other people involved to determine whether they are willing to participate and provide information about mediation.
- We assign a mediator and share a confidential briefing with them.
- We schedule the session at a date, time, and neutral location (or online) that works for everyone.
