Peanut Farmers Antitrust $103M Class Action Settlement

Peanut farmers who sold peanuts to peanut shellers Golden Peanut, Birdsong, or Olam may be eligible to claim compensation thanks to a nearly $103 million class action settlement.

The Class includes any person or entity in the United States who sold raw, harvested runner peanuts to any of the defendants, their subsidiaries, or joint-ventures between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019.

The peanut farmers alleged the defendants worked together to pay farmers depressed prices on runner peanuts during the Class Period, violating the federal Sherman Act.

Birdsong and the other defendants have denied any wrongdoing but have agreed to a settlement to avoid the risks and costs associated with ongoing litigation.

Olam and Birdsong together paid $57.75 million into the settlement fund, and, if the Court grants final approval to the settlement, Golden Peanut will pay $45 million.

Class Members who submit valid claims will receive a portion of the remaining settlement fund after attorneys’ fees and other expenses are paid.

The amount each Class Member will be awarded will be calculated according to a plan to be  approved by the Court and will depend on how many claims are submitted and how much the Court allows in fees and other expenses.

Claim forms that were sent to Class Members reflected the amount of their sales of runner peanuts to Birdsong and the other defendants, based on a review of their records.

Those who disagree with the amount on their claim form may challenge that number by completing a Sales Audit Request form.

The deadline for Class Members to exclude themselves from the Class was March 13, 2021. Those who did not exclude themselves by that date are considered a part of the Class.

Payments will be issued if the Court grants final approval to the Golden Peanut settlement and approves the distribution plan after any appeals are resolved.

A final fairness hearing is scheduled for July 26, 2021.

Anyone wishing to object to the peanut farmers settlement must do so by July 13.

The deadline to file a claim is also July 13, 2021.

Who’s Eligible

Any person or entity in the United States who sold raw, harvested runner peanuts to any of the defendants, their subsidiaries, or joint-ventures between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019.

Potential Award

Varies.

• The amount each Class Member will be awarded will be calculated according to a plan to be  approved by the Court and will depend on how many claims are submitted and how much the Court allows in fees and other expenses.

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase is required for this settlement.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

07/13/2021

Case Name

In Re Peanut Farmers Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 2:19-cv-00463 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Final Hearing

07/26/2021

Settlement Website

PeanutFarmersAntitrustLitigation.com

Claims Administrator

Peanut Farmers Antitrust Litigation
Settlement Administrator
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-844-754-7469
Info@PeanutFarmersAntitrustLitigation.com

Class Counsel

LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN PLLP

FREED KANNER LONDON & MILLEN LLC

Defense Counsel

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP