USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Fred Pfaeffle met with Hispanic and women farmers this week regarding discrimination that may have occurred over loans and other assistance between 1981 and 2000. Hispanic women farmers claim that loans and other assistance routinely went to whites.
On Feb. 25, the USDA announced it would pay up to $50,000 each to Hispanic farmers who can prove wrongful treatment. Pfaeffle held a series of meetings with farmers to discuss the process that has been put in place to resolve the claims, according to a USDA press release. There are no fees for people to participate in the program and it is voluntary.
Pfaeffle said the program offers alternatives to litigation and provides "at least $1.3 billion in compensation and up to $160 million in farm debt relief to eligible Hispanic and women farmers."
"The Obama administration is committed to resolving all claims of past discrimination at USDA, so we can close this sad chapter in the department's history," Pfaeffle said. "We want to make sure that any Hispanic or women farmer or rancher who alleges discrimination is aware of this option to come forward, to have his or her claims heard and to participate in a process to receive compensation."
Some claimants can receive an additional $50,000 if they can provide additional proof of discrimination and meet other requirements.
"Successful claimants are also eligible for funds to pay the taxes on their awards and for forgiveness of certain existing USDA loans," reads the press release.
The USDA cannot provide legal advice to those seeking to file a complaint in court.
For more information or to receive a claims package, visit www.farmerclaims.gov.
