USDA Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers

Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers

COMPENSATION FOR CLAIMS OF DISCRIMINATION

If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation.

You may be eligible if:

1. You sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing during that period; and

2. The loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, or approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and

3. You believe these actions were based on your being Hispanic, or your being female.

If you want to register your name to receive a claims packet, you can call the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or visit the following website: 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 have detailed information about the eligibility and claims process.

For guidance, you may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider in your community. If you are currently represented by counsel regarding allegations of discrimination or in a lawsuit claiming discrimination, you should contact your counsel regarding this claims process. USDA cannot provide legal advice to you.

• Read more in the USDA news release at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&....  


USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.