Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the U.S. Agriculture Department in past decades can file claims until March 25.
The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer who can prove USDA officials denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. There are no filing fees to participate in the program. Claimants must register for a claims package by calling the claims center or visiting the website and the claims 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.
The Chautauqua County Farm Service Agency will conduct a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct 30, to provide more information on the program. The meeting will be held in the A&B Conference Room in the Ag Service Building, 3542 Turner Road, beginning at 6 p.m.