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By Osborne & Francis
October 25, 2023
Apply for Black Farmers Lawsuit: 2023 Update | Osborne and Francis
Apply for Black Farmers Lawsuit: 2023 Update for the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, set aside funds for farmers who may have experienced discrimination by the USDA. Applications for the funds set aside opened in July 2023.
The United States Department of Agriculture is a source of funding for many farmers across the country. USDA loans are a critical source of funding for farmers in the United States. However, the USDA has been known to discriminate against Black Farmers by denying them equal access to these loans. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed. This Act set aside funds for those who had experienced loan discrimination by the USDA.
Applications for the funds set aside for those who had been discriminated against opened in July of 2023. Contact the attorneys at Osborne and Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600. Our attorneys have led the way when it comes to civil rights litigation. We are standing by to assist you with your application for the funds set aside by the Inflation Reduction Act.
USDA Discrimination Lawsuit Against Black Farmers
USDA loans are an integral part of agriculture in the United States. Farmers often take out these loans to purchase farm equipment, and seeds, pay their farm workers or expand their operations. However, the USDA has a long history of discrimination against Black farmers who attempt to take advantage of these loans. The USDA was held responsible for such discrimination in the 1990s, unfortunately, their prejudiced practices have continued.
In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed. This Act recognizes the discriminatory practices of the USDA and the disadvantage that such discrimination has had on Black farmers. The Act sets aside funds under the “Discrimination Financial Assistance” clause for farmers, ranchers, or other agricultural professionals who have experienced loan discrimination prior to January 1, 2021.
How to Apply for the Black Farmers Lawsuit
As directed by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, on July 7, 2023, the USDA opened applications for financial assistance for eligible farmers who had experienced discrimination by the USDA lending process prior to January 2021. Congress has set aside a total of $2.2 Billion for discrimination claims with up to $500,000 available for each claim.
There are multiple ways to apply for the funds allocated by the Inflation Reduction Act. You can apply online, by mail, or by delivering your application in person at your regional office. While it is possible to apply for these funds without an attorney, the application process promises to be complicated. Hiring a qualified civil rights attorney to handle your application will ensure you receive every penny you are entitled to.
Who Is Eligible for a Settlement Under the Inflation Reduction Act?
The funds set aside for Black farmers by the Inflation Reduction Act will be available for distribution in early 2024. To receive these funds, you will have to complete an application. In order for you to be eligible to seek compensation, the following must apply:
You are a farmer, rancher, forestry worker, or agricultural professional
Discrimination occurred before January 2021
Discrimination caused economic or noneconomic damages
Discrimination occurred on the basis of a protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, sexual identity, religion, disability, marital status and “retaliation for prior civil rights activity”
Discrimination occurred in relation to attempting to obtain or apply for a guaranteed farm loan
Applications for the funds allocated by the Inflation Reduction Act will be accepted until October 31, 2023. You should apply before the deadline just in case there are any issues or questions regarding your application. After your application is submitted, it will be reviewed and processed using standards set forth by the USDA. It is predicted that payments will be distributed in 2024.
It is important to be aware that some people will use this opportunity to attempt to scam those who are trying to complete an application. Some individuals and groups have been spreading misleading information about the Program. Although a lawyer is not required to apply, it is still a good idea to obtain representation to help you with your application.
Contact the attorneys at Osborne and Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600. Our experience with civil rights litigation is unmatched. Let us assist you with your claim today.
Black Farmers Lawsuit Settlement Checks
As previously mentioned, $2.2 billion has been set aside by Congress for discrimination experienced by farmers. $500,000 is available for each claim. The USDA stressed that the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is not a first-come, first-serve process, and all applications received or postmarked before the October deadline will be considered.
Still, it is important to gather your information and documentation as soon as possible. You should try and submit your application before the deadline, that way, if there are any issues you will be able to correct them in a timely manner. Settlement checks will be distributed in 2024, depending on a number of factors.
Contact an Experienced Civil Rights Attorney
At Osborne and Francis, we are dedicated to supporting hard-working farmers across the United States. The Inflation Reduction Act promises to provide relief for farmers who have experienced discrimination at the hands of the USDA. However, the application process has very specific requirements and requires various types of documentation. Contacting an experienced civil rights attorney can ensure you receive the maximum settlement from the USDA.
The civil rights attorneys at Osborne and Francis are leading the way in holding federal departments and agencies responsible for discrimination on the basis of race and gender. Our firm is responsible for the $1.25 billion dollar settlement with the USDA on behalf of Black farmers across the United States. This victory marked the single largest civil rights settlement in United States history.
If you think you may qualify for the funds set aside by the IRA, contact the civil rights team at Osborne and Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600. Our helpful associates are here to make sure that you receive the funds that you are entitled to.
Black Farmers Class Action Lawsuit — Related Resources
Contact us if you have specific questions on the matter or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
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