Mediation is a confidential process that brings disputing parties together in a neutral setting with a trained, impartial mediator to work out a mutually beneficial solution. The Florida Agricultural Mediation Service (FAMS) facilitates the resolution of disputes between United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies and their clientele. It is an alternative to a formal appeals process or litigation. There is no cost for mediation of disputes between USDA agencies and their clientele when the dispute is based on an adverse decision of the agency.

Agricultural mediation may allow for a quicker resolution of a dispute than litigation and appeals. Mediation allows the disputing parties to communicate directly with one another. Also, the mediator may be able to assist the parties in crafting compromises because information can be furnished in confidence to the mediator by both sides. This allows the disputing parties to reveal to the mediator reasons that a particular offer is not acceptable along with potential ranges for settlement. Because the mediation process is confidential, discussions with the mediator and other parties can not be used for other purposes. If the parties do not reach an agreement, all administrative and other remedies remain.