The Hill News

The Agriculture Department (USDA) has set up a new $1.33 billion fund to compensate Hispanic and female farmers who have alleged discrimination by USDA. 

The announcement Friday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General Tony West will help resolve the last of long-standing discrimination claims against USDA held by several minority groups. 

Claims processes have been set up already for black and Native American farmers who claimed they were discriminated against by USDA after their loan applications were rejected by department officials. 

"The Obama Administration has made it a priority to resolve all claims of past discrimination at USDA, and we are committed to closing this sad chapter in USDA’s history," Vilsack said in a statement. "Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege past discrimination can now come forward to participate in a claims process in which they have the opportunity to receive compensati! on."

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