NOTICE TO HISPANIC AND/OR WOMEN FARMERS AND RANCHERS
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 a female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. This means you may be eligible if:
- You sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing during that period;
- The loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and
- You believe these actions were based on your being Hispanic or your being female.
The claim period will run from September 24, 2012 to March 25, 2013. Anyone who wishes to participate in the claims process must obtain a claims package by calling 1-888-508-4429 or going to www.farmerclaims.gov.
The USDA under the Obama Administration has made civil rights a top priority, part of which is taking definitive actions to move USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider. Over the past three years, we have worked to resolve past allegations of discrimination by the Department to make that new era a reality. The American farmer and the American people deserve no less.
For guidance, you may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider in your Community. USDA cannot provide legal advice to you.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.