Farm Debt Mediation: A Review of the Possibilities: A discussion paper based on a study tour of farm debt mediation programs in the United States

Abstract

Adjustment has always been a feature of Australian agriculture (see discussion by Stayner & Gow, 1992). However, since the mid-1960s the pressures upon Australian farmers to effect adjustments have increased considerably as the cost-price squeeze has become more acute. In the 20 years from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, the number of agricultural establishments in Australia declined by about 29 000 (ABARE, 1990), which is illustrative of the extent and impact of the adjustment pressures that occurred in this period.