The Court-ordered process of officially notifying African American farmers and their heirs about the 1.25-billion dollar “Pigford II” class action settlement is underway. African American farmers around the country who tried to file a claim in the 1999 Pigford Settlement but were unable to receive a decision on the merits because their claims were late are now receiving information about their legal rights and options under the settlement by postal mail.

The plaintiffs and USDA announced the proposed settlement in late 2010 and President Obama signed the bill authorizing payment.  If approved by the Court, the settlement will resolve discrimination claims related to USDA farm loans and other benefits. Class members should visit www.BlackFarmerCase.com or call 1-877-810-8110 for complete information.

Class members eligible for the Settlement are African Americans who farmed or attempted to farm between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996; were prevented from applying for or were denied a USDA farm loan during that period or were given a loan with unfair terms; and who filed or attempted to file a late claim between October 13, 1999 and June 18, 2008 in the original Pigford case that was never considered because they tried to submit it after the late claim deadline.