LIHU‘E — Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers alleging discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims until March 25, 2013. The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for farmers or ranchers who can prove the USDA
LIHU‘E — Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers alleging discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims until March 25, 2013.
The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for farmers or ranchers who can prove the USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons within certain time periods between 1981 and 2000, according to an announcement from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers.
There are no filing fees to participate in the program.
The ag department will continue reaching out to potential claimants around the country to reach eligible individuals for this program so they may participate.
Call center representatives can be reached online at www.farmerclaims.gov or by calling toll-free to (888) 508-4429.
Claimants must register for a claims package to be mailed to them by calling the number or visiting the website.
Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate claims.
Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.
