LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2016 as Agriculture Mediation Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which
our distinct American heritage is built; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize offi-
cial months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious agricul-
tural issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural mediation is a tool used for farmers, agribusi-
ness, and others in the agricultural community to discuss difficult
subjects and to reach fair and workable solutions without involving
outside authorities; it is both confidential and convenient; and
WHEREAS, These free or low cost services are available in every county
in New York State; in comparison to traditional debt collection, medi-
ation preserves a positive business relationship and reduces collection
costs; in addition, mediating cases allows everyone to get back to the
work they want to be doing, while preserving reputations in intercon-
nected agricultural communities; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP) is
one of more than 30 state programs which provide conflict management
services; this vital program is funded by the USDA and New York State
Unified Court System; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, NYSAMP is administered by the New York State
Dispute Resolution Association, an independent nonprofit organization;
and
WHEREAS, During 2014, NYSAMP handled more than 400 cases involving
agricultural producers across New York State; of the 928 people served,
collectively there was a 93 percent agreement rate; each case involves
conflict, and managing conflict productively is what mediators do; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural Mediation has been instrumental in helping to
improve communication and in encouraging participants to craft solutions
that work best for them, removing many barriers that prevent farm busi-
nesses from thriving; and
WHEREAS, NYSAMP mediations also save time; although complex cases may
require multiple sessions, the vast majority are addressed and resolved
fairly quickly; more than 80 percent of agricultural mediations result
in agreements; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural Mediation addresses such problems as small
claims and unpaid bills, machinery and supplier credit, Right to Farm
issues, farm succession, USDA appeals, and Farm Family and Neighbor
disputes; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is now moved to commemorate Agriculture
Mediation Month and to acknowledge the efforts of citizens which provide
these vital conflict management services; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2016 as Agricul-
ture Mediation Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.