OAR 603-075-0050: AGRICULTURE MEDIATION

(1) This program is intended for disputes directly related to activities of the Department and agricultural issues under the jurisdiction of the Department; that do not fall under the Farming Practices Mediation program. (a) The Department may charge reasonable fees necessary to cover the cost of mediation services. Such fees shall be calculated by determining the costs, including administrative overhead, for providing mediation service. (b) At the option of the Department, fees may be established at an amount reasonably necessary to cover the cost of administration of the mediation program. (c) The fees to be charged per party shall be reviewed at the beginning of each biennium by the coordinator to determine the appropriateness of such fees and whether the fees should be increased or decreased based upon the overall financial status of the program. (d) Individuals may apply for a fee waiver. (2) The coordinator will review mediation service requests to determine eligibility for the program. If the dispute is eligible for the agriculture mediation program, the coordinator shall notify the parties or the representatives of the parties, that the request for mediation is accepted by the Department and forward the written request for mediation services to the mediator service provider chosen by the coordinator; unless a party requests a specific service provider.