Title 11 Agriculture, Livestock and Other Animals

11-41-108. Mediation process.

(a) Any conflict between two (2) parties which involves agriculture or natural resources may be subject to mediation. This may include, but not be limited to, conflicts between federal, state and local agencies, individuals and organizations. No creditor shall institute an action as defined in this chapter without first notifying the borrower of the availability of mediation services under W.S. 11-41-101 through 11-41-110. (b) A farmer or creditor wishing to resolve a dispute between them involving the farmer's agricultural property and the creditor's interest in a mortgage, land contract, lien, security interest or judgment affecting the agricultural property, either before an action has been initiated to which they are parties or after entry of a suspension order in an action to which they are parties under W.S. 11-41-107, may participate in mediation in accordance with this chapter. (c) To participate in mediation, the parties shall submit a request for mediation, together with an agreement to mediate, to the board on forms prepared by the board. (d) If no action has been initiated to which the farmer and creditor are parties, the board shall identify the parties to any mediation under this chapter and shall require all parties to enter into an agreement to refrain from initiating any action among the parties affecting the subject matter of the mediation for a sixty (60) day period. (e) After the board has obtained the agreement or agreements under subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the board shall provide the parties with the names, mailing addresses and qualifications of mediators located in the geographical area in which the agricultural property or farmer is located. The parties shall select a mediator or, upon request of the parties, the board shall designate a mediator for the parties.