Mediation in Action: Two Cases

Facts: A property owner faced an action for nonpayment of a USDA Rural Development Loan. She had lost her job due to the economic downturn and was waiting to find out if she qualified for unemployment and Department of Human Services benefits. She had applied for a moratorium with the USDA Department of Rural Development but was turned down.

Outcome: An agreement to have the property owner demonstrate she had applied for beneifits and have the USDA facilitate a redetermination. Pending redetermination, the property owner was awarded benefits and was able to resume loan payments.

Facts: A fruit producer faced a demand for Disaster Payment Repayment in excess of $10,000 from the Farm Service Agency. Repayment would have put the producer out of business.

Outcome: An agreement to lower the repayment after the acreage was re-measured. The repayment reduction enabled the producer to remain in business.