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Rhode Island Agricultural Mediation Program |
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CMCRI's Rhode Island Agricultural Mediation Program (RIAMP) - the official USDA-certified program for our state - offers confidential assistance to help resolve agriculture-related issues in a productive environment. For more than a decade, RIAMP has provided essential mediation services for agricultural loans, farm program compliance, and other agriculture-related issues to farmers and growers throughout Rhode Island. These services are provided confidentially, in accordance with state law (RI Statute, § 9-19-44).
When can mediation be requested? Facilitative mediation is appropriate anytime there is a need for collaboration, exploration, or definition which will lead to greater understanding of an issue or topic. For USDA matters, when an agency issues an “adverse determination” it often offers the option of mediation, and USDA entities must participate in mediation where requested. Borrowers or their creditors may also request mediation for agricultural credit issues where a borrower is delinquent or at risk of becoming so. Mediation may also be requested where the issue affects agriculture in the state of Rhode Island. In addition, with the passage of the 2019 Farm Bill, CMCRI is now able to mediate issues related to pesticides, land lease, equipment lease, family farm transition, and farmer-neighbor disputes. What does it cost? There is no charge for an initial consultation with CMCRI staff. Full or partial waivers of fees may be available depending upon the status of program funds and need. Any additional legal, financial, or technical advisors - if needed - are paid by the requesting party. Depending on the specific situation, costs can vary from $0-$150 per hour per party. For more information, you can download our RIAMP brochure above or contact us directly. |
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