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T O P I C    R E V I E W
Kevin Posted - Feb 28 2011 : 12:55:15 PM
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250



As you know, since becoming Secretary of Agriculture, I have worked hard to write a new chapter for Civil Rights at USDA. In the past year, we have come to historic settlements to bring justice to thousands of black and Native American farmers and ranchers and help us move beyond a sad chapter in USDA’s history.

Over the last several months, the USDA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been working on a unified claims process for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who were discriminated against. Today, USDA once again made history as we announced a process that allows us to provide significant relief to Hispanic and women farmers who were unjustifiably denied farm loan program benefits between 1981 and 2000 because of their ethnic background or gender.

Some of you may be familiar with two court cases – Garcia vs. Vilsack and Love vs. Vilsack –which alleged significant discrimination against Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers, respectively. These cases were not certified as class action lawsuits, and therefore, the only redress for those involved in these cases had been for each individual to take their case through the court system. Together with the Department of Justice, we are offering an option for settlement under a unified claims process.

This process will include extensive outreach and notice efforts to Hispanic and women farmer communities so that all eligible farmers will be given an opportunity to participate. We need your help to try to inform as many potential claimants as possible. USDA employees will be critical in the success of this effort. Please post the attached notice and fact sheet in your office and have copies available for potential claimants. Please do not provide guidance to anyone who may want to file a claim, but instead instruct anyone who inquires about this process to either call 1-888-508-4429 or visit the claims process web-site at https://farmerclaims.gov.

President Obama and I are committed to treating all farmers fairly and equitably. And I know that the vast majority of our employees are as dedicated as we are. You work hard, everyday, as part of this effort.

I know you are busy, but your assistance with this outreach and helping to inform all farmers and ranchers of this process is crucial to truly moving the USDA into a new era of civil rights. I appreciate your help. Together we are building a stronger USDA for the American people.

Secretary Tom Vilsack

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