You are subscribed to IN - Press Releases for USDA Farm Service Agency.
This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USFSA-aab6e
07/05/2011 03:27 PM EDT
For Immediate Release
July 5, 2011
Rick Kelley (317) 290-3030, Ext. 213
rick.kelley@in.usda.gov
July 5, 2011
Contacts:
Rick Kelley (317) 290-3030, Ext. 213
rick.kelley@in.usda.gov
USDA Notice to Women and Hispanic Farmers: Compensation for Claims of Discrimination
Indianapolis – July 5, 2011 – As part of continued efforts to close the chapter on allegations that discrimination occurred at USDA in past decades, a claims process has been established to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers who assert they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. You might be eligible if: you sought a farm loan or loan servicing from USDA during that period; and the loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and you believe these actions occurred because you are female or Hispanic.
"We want all producers who may be eligible to be aware of this claims process for women and Hispanic farmers, as well as the recent settlements with Native American and African American farmers, so they can come forward and participate in these processes," said Julia A. Wickard, Executive Director for the Indiana Farm Service Agency. "We believe that every farmer should be treated equally and fairly." If you want to register your name to receive a claims package in the women and Hispanic farmers claims process, you can call the Farmer Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or access the Website: www.farmerclaims.gov.
In 2011, a Claims Administrator will begin mailing claims packages to those who have requested one through the Call Center or Website. The claims package will have detailed information about the eligibility and claims process. In order to participate, you must submit a claim to the Claims Administrator by the end of the claims period.
The 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. The claims process provides up to $50,000 for each woman or Hispanic farmer who can show that USDA denied them a loan or loan servicing for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. Hispanic or women farmers who provide additional proof and meet other requirements can receive $50,000. Successful claimants may also be 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 opt not to participate are not precluded by the program from filing a complaint in court. If you are currently represented by counsel regarding allegations of discrimination against USDA or in a lawsuit claiming discrimination by USDA, you should contact your counsel regarding your claims process. USDA cannot provide legal advice to you. You are not required to hire an attorney to file a claim, but you may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider in your community for additional guidance.
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 farmer claims process are available at: http://www.usda.gov/PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml. For more information, contact the Farmer Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or access the following Website: www.farmerclaims.gov.
This announcement follows the Obama Administration's settlement of litigation brought by Native American farmers and African American farmers. Any Native American farmer who was denied a farm loan or loan servicing by the USDA between Jan. 1, 1981 and Nov. 24, 1999, may be eligible for benefits from a Class Action Settlement. To request a Claims Package or for more information, call 1-888-233-5506 or visit www.IndianFarmClass.com. African-American farmers who submitted a request to file a late claim on or between October 13, 1999 and June 18, 2008 under the 1999 settlement in the earlier class action known as Pigford v. Glickman ("Pigford") and who did not receive a merits determination of their discrimination claim should call 1-866-950-5547 or 1-866-472-7826 or visit www.blackfarmercase.com.
 | Questions? Contact Us |
| STAY CONNECTED: | |||||||
 |  |  |  |  |  | ||
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Delete Profile | Help
| This email was sent to ahmedalaa214.ahmed@blogger.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: USDA Farm Service Agency · 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. · Washington, DC 20250 · 800-439-1420 |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment