COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Beginning in October 2026, the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Francis King Carey School of Law will host a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Ag Mediation Program. The Maryland Agricultural Conflict Resolution Program will build on the services and foundation established through the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Maryland Agricultural Resolution Service (ACReS) as program responsibilities transition.
The transition will ensure the continuity of voluntary, confidential mediation services to Maryland’s agricultural community. Since the program started, mediation services have successfully helped farmers, agricultural lenders, agencies, families, neighbors, and others resolve disputes collaboratively and preserve important relationships.
“MDA has built a trusted mediation program that has given Maryland producers a confidential, neutral place to work through difficult issues and find solutions,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “We are proud of what ACReS has established and are confident that the University of Maryland will carry this work forward while connecting farmers with an even broader network of agricultural and legal resources.”
The newly formed Maryland Agricultural Conflict Resolution Program is committed to maintaining the focus on accessible, neutral, and confidential conflict resolution while expanding opportunities to connect farmers and farm families with related university expertise and support.
“We are excited to bring this important service to the University of Maryland and to build on the strong foundation established by the Maryland Department of Agriculture,” said Paul Goeringer, Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist with the college. “Mediation provides farmers and agricultural families with an opportunity to work through difficult issues, find practical solutions, and maintain relationships. The university is uniquely positioned to offer this service because of the depth of expertise and resources we already provide to Maryland’s agricultural community.
In fact, the agricultural community will now benefit from the collaboration of two programs. “Bringing together our combined expertise, connections, and resources makes sense,” says Toby Guerin executive director of the Center for Dispute Resolution at Maryland Carey Law. “Maryland’s agricultural community faces unique challenges. Through mediation we hope to support them in resolving disputes so they can prevent conflict and focus on what they do best.”
“The goal is not simply to continue ACReS, but to strengthen its connection to the many resources already available through both campuses,” said Goeringer. “We look forward to working with Maryland’s agricultural community to make mediation an even more accessible and effective resource.”
For more information on accessing these services, contact Paul Goeringer at lgoering@umd.edu.