Farm disputes mediation service will cut legal costs

A NEW mediation service has been launched to help farmers resolve land and other farming-related disputes.

The service has been devised by IPAV (Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers) in partnership with the IFA and the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII).

“Whether it’s ownership of land going back several decades or modern share farming agreements, disagreements can arise that can be personally, professionally, financially, legally and socially very damaging,” said IPAV president Ella Dunphy.

She said the IFA master lease, which IPAV members will now recommend to all members, is am effective way for resolving disputes.

Assistance

“However, while some issues are easily resolved, many disputes cannot be easily straightened out and require the assistance of a third party,” she said.

“Traditionally this was dealt with through the legal route involving solicitors and the courts, but the role of mediation is increasingly becoming more common.”

Ms Dunphy added that mediation is well suited to most disputes because it gives parties more control over the outcome, “as well as being much faster and less costly than going to court”.

The new mediation service can be activated in a variety of ways — through an IPAV member, MII members or through referrals from solicitors, accountants or agri-consultants.

IPAV members will conduct a free open market rental valuation to IFA members who wish to rent their lands.

And an MII selected members’ mediation consultation will be available at a 50pc discount to IPAV and IFA members.