The Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program Inc. (OAMP) has existed since 1987 to help Oklahoma farmers and ranchers with disputes and disruptive issues. Founded at a time when farmers and ranchers nationwide were experiencing the farm crisis of the 1980s, the OAMP not-for-profit corporation now serves all 77 counties in Oklahoma.

BACKGROUND

Some agricultural producers in the ‘80s were distressed to the point of killing themselves, often finding methods that did not trigger suicide exceptions in their life insurance policies. Stories circulated in Oklahoma and nationwide of agricultural producers “accidentally” having tractors roll over on them or trucks running into bridge abutments so that the life insurance policies could be used to pay off the farm or ranch debt and allow the families to continue their production efforts. These concerns were part of the impetus for legislative action that led to the OAMP.

Congress and the Oklahoma Legislature stepped up to help alleviate the farm crisis. Following state legislative efforts to offer relief to producers, Congress passed 7 CFR Part 785, which was intended to provide emotional relief and financial assistance. Out of these efforts, the OAMP became one of the first in the nation via Title 2 O.S. Section 2-30.

THE OAMP NOW

Back to the present, the OAMP offices are located in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry building within the state Capitol complex. It operates as an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are currently 44 officially recognized agriculture mediation programs in the United States, operating mostly in states you would imagine. States like California, Kansas, Nebraska and Florida are rather obvious, but there are also programs in New Jersey and Rhode Island, where there are hundreds of microfarms and orchards. One of the newest programs is located in Alaska.

Be sure to see the sidebar list of the types of mediations authorized by the CFR. While this list covers most mediation matters that come up in Oklahoma, the 2018 Farm Bill added an important expansion that includes matters determined by the secretary of agriculture as appropriate for mediation.

Mediation categories available for mediation by the OAMP include:

• Agricultural loans, including defaults and accelerations
• Wetlands determinations
• Compliance with farm programs
• Rural water loan programs
• Grazing on national forest system lands
• Pesticide-related disputes
• Lease issues, including land leases and equipment leases
• Family farm transitions
• Farmer-neighbor disputes
• Other issues as determined by the Oklahoma secretary of agriculture as appropriate for better serving the agricultural community and persons eligible for mediation

INITIATING A MEDIATION WITH THE OAMP

Typically, agricultural producers or their attorneys contact the OAMP by phone, mail, fax or via the website www.ok.gov/mediation, which provides an immediate contact form. OAMP staff respond quickly to gather necessary information from the contacting party and make contact with the other party, if necessary. Contact the OAMP by phone at 405-521-3934 or 800-248-5465, by email at mediation@ag.ok.gov or online at www.ok.gov/mediation or www.oklahoma.gov/oamp.html.

When both parties have agreed to mediate, a date, time and place are determined, and the parties gather for the mediation meeting. The OAMP mediator ensures that the parties understand the process and participate in good faith, working toward any possible solutions that will resolve the dispute and, as always, are acceptable to all the participating parties.

Mediations typically last a few hours, but complex matters may require more than one meeting. Family farm transitions frequently require multiple meetings.

Remember: Mediations are confidential, and participation is voluntary. Parties are not charged for the mediations that qualify under the USDA grant program. They are scheduled in the most convenient place and at times convenient to the parties. At least one party must be conducting agriculture business or be located in Oklahoma.

The OAMP has a mediation success rate of 80% overall, and for those cases that do not result in an agreement, the parties’ relationships are improved due to a better understanding of the issues.

CONCLUSION

The Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program has played an important role in supporting the state’s agricultural community for decades. From its origins during the farm crisis of the 1980s to its continued evolution in addressing modern disputes, the OAMP exemplifies the power of mediation in fostering understanding, resolving conflicts and strengthening relationships. With its high success rate and strong commitment to serving Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, the OAMP remains a valuable resource for navigating the challenges inherent in agriculture. As the program continues to adapt to new demands, it ensures that Oklahoma’s agricultural producers have the support needed to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. For more information or to seek assistance, the OAMP’s dedicated team is just a call or a click away.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Mayberry has served as executive director of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program since 2014 and was previously deputy court administrator for the Oklahoma Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts. He has been an OBA member since 1988.