WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today said companion legislation to a bill he introduced to continue critical agriculture mediation programs passed by the House, was approved by the Senate and heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The mediation programs at the Department of Agriculture go a long way in helping our farmers and ranchers seek confidential advice and counsel to address loan problems and disputes before they grow to be too much for the producer too handle,” Senator Roberts said.

The legislation continues to authorize the Certified State Agriculture Mediation Program for five years.

Mediation provides a neutral, confidential forum to discuss complex issues and build strong working relationships with producers, their lenders and government agencies. The programs address issues in a confidential and non-adversarial setting outside the traditional legal process of foreclosure, bankruptcy, appeals and litigation. 36 States now participate in the program.

Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

-30-