FAYETTEVILLE — What happens next when a farmer is denied enrollment or benefits in a U.S. Department of Agriculture program?
USDA offers an appeal process to farmers who receive a denial, known as an “adverse program decision,” through its National Appeals Division, or NAD. These appeals can arise from a variety of programs including farm loans, farm program payments, conservation programs and more. This process comes with specific rules and procedures that producers and attorneys will need to know about.
Danielle Lake, deputy regional director of the USDA National Appeals Division, will discuss what lawyers and their clients need to know when filing a USDA appeal during the National Agricultural Law Center’s 11th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, which will be held June 6-7.
During her session, “USDA National Appeals Division 101: What You and Your Farm Client Need to Know,” Lake will share her inside knowledge of the best way to approach a USDA appeal and the process’ impacts.
“NAD is dedicated to conducting impartial appeal hearings of adverse decisions made by the USDA agencies under our jurisdiction,” Lake said. “This is a unique process with special rules, and I’ll address some recent changes and provide pointers that participants will want to know.”
The Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference will be held in Memphis, Tennessee at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law. The conference will also be available via livestream for those unable to participate in person. Registration, agenda and more information is available online.
“This session will be informative to those new to NAD as well as those who have considerable experience with the process,” NALC Director Harrison Pittman said. “As a regional director for NAD, Danielle will provide very unique insight into this unique legal process. Danielle is a terrific presenter and we’re fortunate she’ll be joining us in Memphis this year.”
