Bill 118 s 2992, also known as the Ag Disputes Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address disputes between agricultural producers and processors by establishing a voluntary mediation program.
Under the Ag Disputes Act, agricultural producers and processors would have the option to participate in mediation to resolve disputes related to contracts, marketing agreements, and other issues. The mediation program would be administered by the Department of Agriculture and would aim to provide a neutral and confidential forum for parties to work out their differences.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that mediation agreements are enforceable and that parties are protected from retaliation for participating in the program. It also requires the Department of Agriculture to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the mediation program and any recommendations for improvement.
Overall, the Ag Disputes Act seeks to promote fair and efficient resolution of disputes in the agricultural industry, ultimately benefiting both producers and processors. It is currently under review in Congress and may be subject to amendments before being voted on.