Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the extension of the voluntary claims process for
Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades. All claims
must now be filed by May 1."Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory
practices in the past from the USDA have additional time to file a claim in order to have a chance to
receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Vilsack. "USDA urges potential claimants to
contact the claims administrator for information and to file their claim packages."The process offers a
voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA
denied his or her application for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain
time periods between 1981 and 2000.As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make
available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm
debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in
the program.Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants may register for a
claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) or may download the forms from the website.
All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages
are encouraged to visit the website at any time or to contact the call center telephone number Monday
through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.Claim packages and other documentation may be mailed to
Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Administrator, PO Box 4540, Portland, OR 97208-4540. Claim
packages and other documentation may also be emailed to [email protected]. Claimants may also fax claims
packages and other documentation to (855) 626-8343. Completed forms and documentation must be received no
later than 11:59 p.m. PDT on May 1.• Website: www.farmerclaims.gov• Phone: 1-888-508-4429• Fax: (855)
626-8343• Email: [email protected]• Claims Period: September 24, 2012 – May 1, 2013.Independent companies will
administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate
and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact
a lawyer or other legal services provider.