Confidential help resolving farm disputes, outside of court.
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. Get started: complete the Mediation Intake Form, call 301-405-3541, or email agmediation@umd.edu.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a structured conversation led by a neutral mediator. The mediator helps everyone involved talk through the problem and find a solution they can all accept. The mediator does not decide who is right and cannot impose an outcome; you and the other parties stay in control.
Every MACRP mediation 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 have additional training in the problems farms face, from credit and leases to family transitions.
What can be mediated?
Any dispute that could affect an agricultural operation's profitability. Common examples:
| 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 |
In Maryland, agriculture includes aquaculture, tree farms, beekeeping, horticulture, and urban farming. Other areas open to mediation include the state's forestry and seafood industries.
Why mediate?
- 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.
What does it 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 pay for their services.
Requesting mediation
- Contact us. Complete the Mediation Intake 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 reach out to the other side. We confirm the other party is willing to participate and gather a brief description of the situation.
- We assign a mediator and share a confidential briefing with them.
- We schedule the session at a date, time, and neutral location that works for everyone.