Hispanic, women farmers and ranchers may file claims

LINCOLN – “Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices from the USDA must file a claim by March 25, 2013 in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness,” said Farm Service Agency Director Dan Steinkruger.

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can provide that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claim package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to contact the website or claims telephone number at http://www.farmersclaims.gov or 1-888-508-4429.

Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Steinkruger noted, “We have about seven weeks left in this claims period for filing. Individuals may contact the call center or their local USDA Service Center for more information.”