California Certified Agricultural Mediation Program (CCAMP)
What is CCAMP?
From 2002-2010 CCAMP (California Certified Agricultural Mediation Program) was certified by the USDA and administered by Common Ground: Center for Cooperative Solutions, UC Davis Extension. The program provided mediation on agricultural issues including:
- Compliance with farm programs, including conservation programs
- Agricultural credit
- Agricultural lands
- Rural water loan programs
- Rural housing loans
- Rural business loans
- Crop insurance
- Pesticides
- Grazing on Forest Service System land
- Wetlands determination
Mediation services were available through CCAMP to agricultural producers, creditors of producers, and persons directly affected by actions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Mediation could be used as an alternative to appealing an adverse determination by the USDA, or as an alternative to litigation when a dispute existed between a producer and private or public parties.
What are the benefits of mediation?
The mediation process provides a non-threatening, informal procedure as an initial step in resolving conflicts. Mediation provides the following benefits:
- Participants control the outcome
- Mediation is forward-looking
- Mediation can preserve relationships
- Mediation is creative
- Mediation is confidential
- Mediation can be fast
- Mediation is likely to be successful
What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a trained, impartial person helps people examine their mutual problems, identify and consider options and carefully consider possible resolutions. A mediator has no decision-making authority. Unlike a judge or an arbitrator, a mediator cannot decide what is right or "make" either party do anything.
What happens in mediation?
The mediation process focuses on the problem, not the people or their positions. It provides a neutral confidential setting with a trained mediator who enables all parties to work out a solution that meets the interests of both sides. Each party is given the opportunity to explain his/her point of view, what the dispute is about, what the issues are and how he/she would like to see the situation resolved. After each side has presented information, the mediator clarifies the issues and re-frames them in neutral language that focuses on the issues, not the people involved. The process promotes calm and rational discussion of the issues in order to identify goals and construct a plan that will benefit all parties.
What was the outcome CCAMP of mediations?
Participation in mediation was voluntary and mediators do not force the parties to reach an agreement or to accept particular settlement terms. Mediators helped the parties develop and agree upon a realistic, workable solution to their problem based on their needs and interests.
If parties came to an agreement that was mutually acceptable, the agreement was written in clear, specific language and all parties signed it. However, if no agreement was reached, then the parties "agreed to disagree" and mediation was closed. If no agreement was reached, all administrative and other remedies remained. Because the mediation process was confidential, discussions with the mediator and other parties could not be used for other purposes as defined by the courts.
How long did CCMAP mediations take?
Because mediation is a flexible process, it handles cases quickly and efficiently. The process usually took 30 to 45 days from the time that mediation was requested until an agreement was reached.
How much did CCAMP mediations cost?
Mediation was a free service provided by Common Ground: Center for Cooperative Solutions, UC Davis Extension. CCAMP was funded by the USDA. There may be costs associated with a mediation, such as when outside experts are used, or when other services are required to resolve a dispute. But generally, there was no cost for the mediation service itself.
How did parties request CCAMP mediation?
Parties requested mediation through their local Farm Service Agency or Rural Development Agency office. Parties also contacted Common Ground: Center for Cooperative Solutions directly at (530) 754-7060. Typically, parties first received a letter notifying them of an adverse decision by the USDA.
