News

Vilsack announces black farmers settlement

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a settlement with black farmers Thursday in the case known as Pigford 2. The original case named after North Carolina farmer Timothy Pigford ended in 1999 when the government agreed to compensate black farmers who were excluded from USDA loan and assistance programs because of racism. Today’s settlement will allow the affected farmers to make their claims. The settlement is for 1-and-a-quarter Billion dollars and is contingent upon Congress approving 1.15 Billion dollars for the farmers plus the $100 Million already in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Associate Attorney General Thomas Perrelli says, “Class members will have six months to submit their claims. The class here, broadly speaking, consists of anyone who before the passage of the Farm Bill in 2008 submitted a late claim in the original Pigford litigation and has not had his or her discrimination complaint heard.”

In his statement about the settlement, President Obama said his administration “is dedicated to ensuring that federal agencies treat all citizens fairly” and says “the settlement in the Pigford case reflects that commitment.” Obama praised Ag Secretary Vilsack for his efforts to modernize operations at the USDA, as well as the work of the Justice Department in bringing – in his words – “these long-ignored claims of African American farmers to a rightful conclusion.”

The president says he looks forward to a quick resolution so that the affected families can “move on with their lives.”

Senate Ag Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas says she’s pleased with the settlement.  “As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee,” Lincoln says, “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.”

Brownfield’s Bob Meyer contributed to this story

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Historic Settlement in Lawsuit by black farmers