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Thousands of Hispanic and female farmers have been offered a billion dollar settlement from the government in hopes of resolving their claims that they were discriminated against by the USDA.
The proposed $1.3 billion settlement comes just one year after the government settled similar claims with American Indians and black farmers over racial discrimination. Like the Indian and black famers, the Hispanic and female farmers claim local USDA offices denied them loans and other assistance that routinely went to white male farmers between 1981 and 2000.
The USDA announced last month it would set aside $1.3 billion to pay up to $50,000 to each plaintiff that could prove “wrongful treatment.” The Hispanic and female farmers have the choice to take the settlement, or they can choose to continue with their lawsuits. Some of the farmers say $50,000 is not enough to cover the losses they suffered from the alleged discrimination. Lawyers for both the women and Hispanic farmers said their clients deserve more money. To put it into perspective, Indian farmers were offered up to $250,000 each to settle their USDA discrimination claims.
Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack said any Hispanic and women farmers who are not pleased with the settlement can sill pursue their cases against the government.
“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,” Vilsack said. “Women and Hispanic 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.”
UPDATE: The USDA posted an update on March 12, 2014 stating that it is “committed to ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the claims process. A neutral, third party has been tasked with overseeing all aspects of the process, including notifications, to make certain that it is fair and equitable.” While vague, the update seems to indicate that claims are being processed. You can check the status of your claim here: www.farmerclaims.gov/Status.aspx
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45 thoughts onUSDA Reaches Hispanic and Female Farmer Settlement
I received a letter in July of 2013 with information to check the status of my claim…for almost an entire year I have checked the status. The status always says it’s in review. Why is it taking so long?
I tried applying for a loan as did my husband we were told no he couldn’t even get an application he was Hispanic. We lost our farm over it. They didn’t even send us a letter telling us the claim was not valid I just checked the website and it told me it was not valid and no further action will be taken. Got to love government!
I applied for a loan and was also told I was not qualified and was not even allowed to fill out an application. Our orchard was lost and now the white people all around still have thier orchards and I don’t. Very frustrating. I filled out the application for this and waited and waited and then finally recieved a denial for my claim. Can’t speak with anyone and all decisions are final! It is almost as bad as the first time I lost everything. I have relived the pain all over again. How can you prove that someone wouldn’t let you even fill out an application. I have names of other bankers we tried but they didn’t give farm loans. I have proof we lost our land. And who keeps a rejection letter from 30 years ago anyway? That is kind of sick. Did anyone really get money from this? I’m having my doubts.
UPDATE: The USDA posted an update on March 12, 2014 stating that it is “committed to ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the claims process. A neutral, third party has been tasked with overseeing all aspects of the process, including notifications, to make certain that it is fair and equitable.” While vague, the update seems to indicate that claims are being processed. You can check the status of your claim here: https://www.farmerclaims.gov/Status.aspx
You are all too late to file now. The original claims filing deadline 3/25/2013 and then extended it to 5/1/2013. They extended the original filing to help others have time to be included. I filed my paperwork 2/1/2013 and received a letter acknowledging that my claim is complete and it is forwarded to the Claims Adjudicator to decide whether or not I meet the criteria.
It has been in this status since 4/1/2013. They give you a website to check progress, but it never changes and you can’t talk to anyone about it when you call.
I have been in Adjudication now for a year with nothing being done.
I wonder is this for real or a scam. I haven’t heard anything and yes it been a year for me too. It would be nice if they update their’s page.
I have submitted an application. I have waited and waited to hear info on this matter and just thought I would look at the site to see if anything had been done yet. Does this say that it has or not… unsure, need some info. on this. Surely they haven’t settled and not told anyone…Would like some answers..
I have also submitted a claim. The only information available is through the website and it only states claims are being reviewed. You need your tracking and confirmation numbers to check if your application is in the review process. https://www.farmerclaims.gov/Status.aspx
I would like a clam from. sent to me.at. 2020 Lawrence st apt f 47 Biloxi ms 39531. please.
Black farmer application
How do I go about getting a form?
yes i put in for the females farmer but forgot to send it
off. I did farm for years and you all may still have my name there on file.Hope I am not to late Mary Craft 152 cordis rankin rd, Mendenhall, Mississippi 39114 I hope its not to late
I Live in MS and most everyone farm here and apply for loans. The Black farmers turn me down too, I like to know where all that money goes. I send them everything but the clothes of my back. I did it because my mom and grandmom was strong women and bust they butt to make a life for their kids. All we known was farming. I’m with Cynthia We need to get together and get a class action suit.