Suspension of FSA Foreclosures

Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack announced on Wednesday that Farm Service Agency (FSA) would suspend foreclosure actions on farm loans issued through FSA. While this action will undoubtedly benefit farmers in the current economic downturn the major purpose behind the suspension of foreclosures is to provide the federal agency an opportunity to review their loan granting process for discrimination. A press release from Secretary Vilsack stated:

'These are just the first actions in a
continuing effort to ensure that the civil rights of USDA constituents and
employees are respected and protected,' said Vilsack. 'This memorandum reflects
my deep commitment to changing the direction of civil rights and program
delivery in USDA by creating a comprehensive approach to guarantee fair
treatment of all employees and applicants.'

The press release announced that a task force was to be created to review some of the complaints which currently number around 14,000 of which 3,000 still remain to be processed.

Published: 04/24/09