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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
How can those that where not aware of the filing do so, my mom and grandmother worked and owned a farm in alabama it was a family farm and one of her nephews filed got approved and didnt tell her anything.
I was denied also(58) years old but I do know of 35 year old women that got approval letter, seems strange since this was 30+ years ago. just saying
I was denied too. A lot of people were. This is discrimination on top of discrimination.
I applied and followed all their rules and I just got a DENIAL letter in the mail(Today).Anyways,I want to know if anyone gets Approved vs Denied?As,I was rejected for lack of Evidence or able to make a BONA FIDE attempt,in which is very difficult to Prove,when you are REJECTED OVER THE PHONE.However,I expected this and I’m sure Most others will too.Anyways,Let me know when someone picks this up as a Class Action Lawsuit for the Discriminated Again Lawsuit?:)
I guess checks will be sent out mid summer 2018, or late fall 2019. Hell, I don’t know but it sure feels that way. What’s the delay? Write the checks already! It’s our money and we want it NOW! Maybe they just hope we’ll get tired of waiting and forget all about it.
The claims admin is taking forever to process these claims! Will we be waiting till 2016 to see some checks or what? What’s the hold up??? Not fair!
They have changed the date of processing and adjudication, It was that all claims would be adjudicated by the winter of 2014. Now on the website FAQ’s it states they will all be adjudicated in early 2015.
Here a update, Got tired of waiting and couldn’t get any updates, So I wrote them a letter.
Got a letter back as: currently claims or being adjudicated and process, awards are expected to be made in the early 2015. any questions call, 1-888-508-4429
Haven’t seen any updates, my statue keep saying the same for the last year. sent in all my information. Haven’t heard anything. one while they was answering the phone, now they don’t. what’s up with that. sent email, now I’m sending a letter, Just let the people who apply if they was accepted or denied, is that to much to ask, can’t miss something you never had.
I can’t understand why its taking so long. Is it because they’re trying to find a way to avoid the payout? So sick of our system, being built on power & greed. There’s people in this world with so much money they don’t know what to do with it, and there’s people who have less than $50 sitting in the bank and can’t afford a loaf of bread. Anyway, back to the subject it would be nice if we could get some justice for what we’ve been through. It doesn’t bring back all that we’ve lost and suffered through, but it is something and it will help. How much longer must we wait? Another 3 years, 5 years, more?