Friday, Jul 1 2011 3:17PM
Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers who applied for a USDA loan and feel they were wrongfully denied can now file a claim with the government to receive a loan.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the federal government are urging Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers who feel they were discriminated against when applying for USDA loans in the past to come forward and file a claim with the agency.
The government plans to make $1.33 billion available to those who applied for loans between 1981 and 2000 but were wrongfully denied or were otherwise discriminated against in loan services.
The claims process follows a settlement with African-American and Native American farmers who also claimed discrimination against the USDA when applying for loans or obtaining loan services.
"The Obama Administration has made it a priority to resolve all claims of past discrimination at USDA, and we are committed to closing this sad chapter in USDA's history," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege past discrimination can now come forward to participate in a claims process in which they have the opportunity to receive compensation."
Hispanic and female workers can visit
www.farmerclaims.gov or call 1-888-508-4429 to obtain a claims package to file a claim with the USDA. Successful claimants may receive compensation of up $50,000 plus retirement of current loans.