On Thursday, the Obama administration announced the approval of a $1.25 billion settlement for black farmers’ discrimination claims against USDA. For the Washington Post article by Carrie Johnson, click here. This settlement comes on the heels of the Justice Department settling claims held by Native American farmers against USDA. Both settlements now need congressional approval.
According to the Washington Post story, “[t]he agreement announced Thursday would provide cash payments and debt relief to farmers who applied too late to participate in the earlier settlement. Authorities say they are not certain how many farmers might apply this time, but analysts following the dispute say the number could be higher than 70,000.” If Congress does not approve the settlement by March 31, then the farmers can walk away from the agreement. Under the terms of the settlement, a farmer can apply for a streamlined process to collect up to $50,000, or can take part in a more detailed process that could result in payments above $50,000.
Congressional leaders were quick to speak out on the settlement. According to Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Cal.), “Over the past 20 years, the number of farms operated by black farmers has declined by nearly 50 percent," Lee said. "In part, this decrease was caused by a lack of access to loans and other assistance which were provided to other farmers." Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), in a statement said, “I am pleased that a settlement has been reached between USDA and African American farmers. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to ensuring that every farmer in America receives equal access and treatment in the delivery of USDA’s programs and services. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to help provide the compensation owed to African American farmers who have been victims of discrimination.”
For more details on this story, click here to see a press release from USDA on the settlement. Click here, to see an article by Lauren Letter in the Wall Street Journal.
Posted: 02/19/10
