Section 36.256 - Request for mediation services(1) The State Department of Agriculture may accept a request for mediation under ORS 36.252 to 36.268 of a dispute directly related to activities of the department or agricultural issues under the jurisdiction of the department from: (a) A person engaged in the production of livestock, poultry, field crops, fruit, dairy, fur-bearing animals, Christmas trees, vermiculture products, food fish or other animal and vegetable matter; or(b) Any other person at the discretion of the department.(2) A person may request mediation by submitting the request to the department on a form provided by the department. A mediation request must include:(a) The name and address of each party to the dispute;(b) The name of each party's legal representative, if applicable; and(c) Any additional information the department may require.(3) ORS 36.252 to 36.268 do not require a person to engage or continue in the mediation of any dispute. Mediation under ORS 36.252 to 36.268 is voluntary for all parties to the dispute, and if the parties agree to engage in mediation, any party may at any time withdraw from mediation.(4) The submission of a request for mediation does not operate to stay, impede or delay in any manner the commencement, prosecution or defense of any action or proceeding by any person.Amended by 2015 Ch. 27,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2016.1989 c.967 §5; 1995 c.277 §6; 1997 c.631 §566; 2005 c. 22, § 29