During 2011, the USDA is holding meetings and distributing information throughout California to explain a discrimination claims resolution option to ensure that all potential claimants are informed. If you are a female or Hispanic farmer or rancher and you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic or a woman, you may be eligible for compensation.

You might be eligible if: 

"Over the next weeks and months we will be reaching out to leaders of Hispanic organizations and women’s organizations and asking for their help to spread the word to those who may be eligible,” said David Schaad, acting state executive director of the Farm Service Agency. “Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers can come forward and participate in the claims process by  registering to receive a claims package," said Schaad.  Call the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 to have a package mailed or register online at 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 contain detailed information about the eligibility and claims process. Once the claims period is announced, there will be 180-day timeframe to submit a claim to the Claims Administrator. 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 and ranchers.

$50,000 per farmer

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. A second tier of compensation is available for Hispanic or female farmers who provide additional proof and meet other requirements. In this tier all successful claimants will 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 and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or visit www.farmerclaims.gov.

This announcement follows the Obama administration’s settlement of litigation brought by Native American farmers and ranchers and African American farmers. Any Native American farmer or rancher 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.