Increased use of mediation services to address conflicts between dairy farms and their neighbors

2007 Impact statement
  • Telega, Stanley W

abstract

For the past five years, outreach efforts have been conducted to increase the awareness and use of the New York State Agricultural Mediation Program. The program supplies professional mediators that can help address conflicts between a farm and another party. The service is offered free through the state`s unified court system and funded by USDA.

submitted by

issue being addressed

As dairy farms increase in size, they usually transform their manure handling from daily spread to a liquid, stored system. These liquid manure systems product distinctive odors, require larger equipment to operate and are generally more visible and potentially annoying to neighbors. Mismanagement of some systems have caused pollution. Such events raise suspicions and questions about large dairy farms. At times, complaints, hard-feelings and a breakdown in communications between farms and their neighbors has resulted in litigation and general angst for the farm family and their neighbors.

response

Information about mediation and the Agricultural Mediation Program`s services has been presented at on-going educational events for certified farm-environmental planners, Soil & Water Conservation staff, Cooperation Extension Educators and other agricultural leaders. Case studies and role plays have demonstrated how mediation can help improve understanding and reduce conflict. The program has become a regular partner in these events and other agricultural-environmental forums.

impact assessment

Producer requests for services from the NYS Agricultural Mediation program has steadily increased since 2003. Approximately one-third of the cases mediated by the program involve a farm and its neighbor. Over 50% of these farm-neighbor cases involve dairy farms with the primary cause of conflict and concern being manure odor and potential pollution. Of the 32 states` programs that USDA certifies, the New York program is now the third largest in the country, up from being in the middle of the pack in 2002.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

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funding source description

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

collaborators

  • Soil & Water Conservation Districts
  • Farm Bureau
  • Agricultural Mediation Program
  • Agriculture Environmental Program
  • Northeast Dairy Producers Association
  • Unified Court System

key personnel

  • Jeff TenEyck
  • Barbara Sylvestri
  • Suzanne Motheral
  • Charlotte Carter
  • Caroline Potter

department, unit, division

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008