Illinois Agriculture Mediation Program
A Joint Program of the Southern Illinois University School of Law and the Southern Illinois University College of Agriculture

The Illinois Agriculture Mediation Program (IAMP) is the certified state mediation provider for the State of Illinois. The Illinois program is administered through the Southern Illinois University School of Law Alternative Dispute Resolution Clinic. The program assists agricultural producers, their creditors and others directly affected by the actions or decisions of the USDA in resolving disputes arising under various USDA programs. The program is federally funded. For more information about the federal Agricultural Mediation Program see the fact sheet at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach/mediation.htm

How Can Students Be Involved with the Illinois Agriculture Mediation Program?

Student Work Positions

Currently IAMP employs two student workers: one law student and one graduate student from the College of Agriculture. Students interested in applying for these positions should contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Student employment opportunities are dependent upon grant funding and subject to change with changing grant allocations.

ADR Clinic

Law students who are interested in earning class credit for work in IAMP must complete the requirements for enrollment in the ADR Clinic. Once enrolled in the ADR Clinic, students can perform a portion of their clinic hours through work for IAMP.

Student Experiences
Students working for IAMP will be exposed to various areas of the law:

Contracts
   Sales of Agricultural Commodities
   Federal Production Flexibility Contracts
   Land Sales
   Insurance

Property
   Landowner/Tenant Farmer
   Boundary Disputes

Environmental Law
   Wetlands
   Soil Conservation

Administrative Law

Implementation of laws through agencies of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Students will also gain practical experience handling communications (phone calls and written correspondence) with farmers and agency personnel during preparations for mediations.
In some instances, students will be able to observe or co-mediate during mediation sessions