The KCARD team is excited to share an important milestone for Kentucky’s agricultural community: KCARD is now part of the USDA’s Certified Agricultural Mediation Program—bringing certified mediation services to Kentucky farm families for the first time.
Why This Matters for Kentucky Agriculture
Kentucky was one of the few states without a designated USDA-certified agricultural mediation center. That gap has now been filled, bringing certified agricultural mediation services to Kentucky farm families. This certification reflects KCARD’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Kentucky agriculture and strengthening support where it matters most.
“At KCARD, we continuously evolve our services to support Kentucky farm families where they need it most. This program represents our commitment to helping producers navigate the future with confidence and strengthen the long-term vitality of Kentucky agriculture.” - Brent Lackey, KCARD Executive Director
Through this USDA program funding, KCARD is able to offer a variety of mediation and related services designed to help farm families resolve challenges, improve communication, and move forward with clarity, without adding financial barriers.
What Is Agricultural Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that brings parties together with a neutral third party to work toward mutually acceptable solutions. It is not about taking sides or assigning blame; it is about helping people communicate effectively, explore options, and reach agreements that work for everyone involved. While mediation can support parties in reaching an agreement, it does not replace legal counsel, and mediators cannot provide legal advice or draft legal documents.
What Can Be Mediated?
Under program guidelines, certified agricultural mediation services are available for a wide range of issues, including agricultural loans, whether made or guaranteed by USDA or issued by a third party, and family farm transition and succession planning.
No-Cost Support for Farm Families
Thanks to program funding, these services are offered at no cost to farm families. This ensures that access to conflict resolution, planning support, and communication tools is available to all producers regardless of operation size or financial situation.
Looking Ahead
Becoming a certified agricultural mediation center strengthens KCARD’s ability to support Kentucky farmers during some of the most challenging moments they may face and offers a constructive path forward.
Contact us
For more information about agricultural mediation services or to explore whether mediation may be helpful in your situation, contact KCARD at (859) 417-2592 or KASP@kcard.info to start the conversation.
Interested in learning more about the Kentucky AgriLegacy Solutions Program or starting the transition conversation for your family farm? Learn more and get started here: Kentucky AgriLegacy Solutions Program — Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development