News

Vilsack says Pigford settlement brings closure

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the 1.2 Billion dollar settlement in the second round of USDA discrimination settlements is historic.

“President Obama, Attorney General Holder and I are thrilled by the court’s approval so we can continue turning the page on this sad chapter in USDA history.”

It settles claims that some black farmers received unfair treatment by the USDA.

“In the months and years ahead we’re not going to stop working to move the department into a new era as a model employer and premiere service provider for all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity or gender,” says Vilsack.

The so-called “Pigford Two” settlement is for farmers who were denied payments in the first settlements because they missed the filing deadlines.

Court approves Pigford II settlement