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USDA Outlines Process for Resolving
Discrimination Claims from Hispanic or Women Farmers
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EAST LANSING, June 13, 2011 – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J.
Turner today urged Hispanic or women farmers and
ranchers who may have experienced discrimination from
USDA to contact the department.
"The Obama Administration is committed to resolving all
claims of past discrimination at USDA,” said Turner.
“Our goal is to ensure that any Hispanic or women farmer
or rancher who alleges discrimination is aware of this
option to come forward, to have his or her claims heard
and to participate in a process to receive
compensation.”
The program USDA announced earlier this year with the
Department of Justice provides up to $50,000 for each
Hispanic or woman farmer who can show that USDA denied
them a loan or loan servicing for discriminatory reasons
for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. This
claims process offers a streamlined alternative to
litigation and provides at least $1.33 billion in
compensation, plus up to $160 million in farm debt
relief to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and
ranchers. Hispanic or women farmers who provide
additional proof and meet other requirements can receive
a $50,000 reward. Successful claimants are also eligible
for funds to pay the taxes on their awards and for
forgiveness of certain existing USDA loans. There are no
filing fees or other costs to claimants to participate
in the program.
Participation is voluntary, and individuals who decide not to participate
may choose to file a complaint in court. However, USDA
cannot provide legal advice to potential claimants, and
persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or
other legal services provider.
Today's announcement is part of a series of outreach
meetings that are being held across the country to let
Hispanic and women farmers or ranchers know about this
process. Potential claimants can register to receive a
claims package by calling the Farmer and Rancher Call
Center at 1-888-508-4429 or visiting
www.farmerclaims.gov.
Under the leadership of Secretary Tom Vilsack, USDA is
addressing civil rights complaints that go back decades
and through these outreach meetings, we are taking steps
towards achieving that goal. USDA is committed to
resolving allegations of past discrimination and
ushering in "a new era of civil rights" for the
Department. In February 2010, the Secretary announced
the Pigford II settlement with African American farmers,
and in October 2010, he announced the Keepseagle
settlement with Native American farmers.
Audio and video public service announcements in English
and Spanish from Secretary Vilsack and downloadable
print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women are
available at: http://www.usda.gov/PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area,
administers and manages housing, business and community
infrastructure and facility programs through a national
network of state and local offices. These programs are
designed to improve the economic stability of rural
communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers
and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural
Development has an existing portfolio of more than $150
billion in loans and loan guarantees. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
for additional information about the agency’s programs
or to locate the USDA Rural Development office nearest
you.
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Thank you
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They can be purchased at the Pat
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stand or by contacting Kerry
Roehm or Micki Sorensen. |
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