Help on offer to fix conflict

FARMING families trying to resolve conflict can now call on the services of specially trained mediators.

A dozen individuals with practical agricultural knowledge and experience trained have been trained as mediators for an RSABI initiative.

The charity hopes they will be well used and have highlighted the opportunity and benefits of mediation, which they say can be a successful, lower cost alternative to legal or court action.

During the coming year, RSABI is offering an initial £500 towards mediation fees, with the potential for further support depending on the circumstances.

The aim is to address the stress and anguish when tensions emerge relating to a wide range of different aspects of farming life – from relationship breakdowns between family members to fallouts between neighbouring farmers.

The mediators will work with those involved in a conflict situation to help them move constructively towards an agreement and improved understanding.

“Sadly, we see far too many situations around the country where farming families have reached an impasse due to relationships breaking down, and the result can be a miserable existence for all concerned,” said Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI.

“There are many family farm businesses where parents and children or siblings work together every day but a situation has emerged where they no longer talk to each other and, as time passes, things continue to deteriorate, affecting the business and the mental health of everyone involved.

“The pressure which builds can be immense and the outlook can start to look bleak, but the good news is mediation can make a big difference in these situations.”