USDA sets up $1.3 billion fund to resolve discrimination claims

The claims process will provide a total of at least $1.33 billion in compensation as well as up to $160 million in farm debt relief to those Hispanic and female farmers who can prove they were discriminated against. Each Hispanic and female farmer who can show that they were denied a USDA loan due to discrimination during periods between 1981 and 2000 will receive $50,000.

USDA will also began an outreach effort to inform farmers affected by discrimination of the claims process. The department plans to set up a call center, website and release public service announcements to raise awareness of the program.

The announcement of the new claims process Friday comes after the Obama administration completed last year the Pigford II settlement with black farmers and the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers.