United States Department of Agriculture
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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

About Us

ADR offers a new way for resolving conflict. It is an informal process to help the agency mange conflict with  farmers and ranchers, and conflict with our partners.  ADR addresses conflict through the utilization of various techniques including facilitation and mediation. ADR is available to employees, customers, and partners for disputes outside of the established dispute resolution systems and is also available within the grievance, appeals, and Equal Employment Opportunity complaint processes. The agency program focuses on two areas:

  1. Use of alternative dispute resolution processes to resolve conflict early and effectively, and
  2. Development of employee skills for managing conflict successfully.

Mediation

Mediation is an ADR process designed to assist parties with creating their own mutually satisfactory resolution. In mediation, individuals in conflict meet with a mediator to discuss the issues and attempt resolution. Unlike litigation, the mediator does not impose a decision upon the participants. Nothing is decided in mediation unless both parties agree to the terms.

  • Why consider mediation?

    It is: fast, informal, voluntary, future-focused, collaborative, cost-effective and helps build relationships
  • How is it different from the traditional dispute resolution processes?

    In mediation, the participants decide the outcome. The process is timely, interest focused and offers confidentiality.

While not all mediations result in resolution, the chances for agreement increase significantly the earlier you request assistance.  Mediation might be the answer for a conflict you have right now with a co-worker, partner or customer. For your convenience, more information is included in the quick links. For further information you may contact 1-301-504-2181.

These documents require Adobe Acrobat,  Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Powerpoint NRCS EEO Complaints Process (44 kb)

Adobe Acrobat Document ADR Poster (1439 kb)

Adobe Acrobat Document Mediation Fact Sheet (91 KB)                                                        
                                  
Adobe Acrobat Document ADR BROCHURE (3033 kb)                                     

Microsoft Word Document ADR Fact Sheet (47 KB)