Black farmers sue Ag. Dept.

[Kadie]

Black farmers sue Ag. Dept.


By ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press


Last Updated: September 9, 2004, 12:32:19 PM PDT


WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Black farmers sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday with recent claims that the agency discriminates against them in loans and farm programs - allegations that also were at issue in a sweeping civil rights case settled five years ago.

The new lawsuit seeks $20.5 billion and class-action status for up to 25,000 blacks who farmed or attempted to farm between 1997 and 2004.

The USDA in 1999 settled a lawsuit by black farmers who said they had been systematically denied federal loans and subsidies for years. That settlement has been criticized, especially since an August report by the Environmental Working Group and the National Black Farmers Association found many farmers' claims were rejected.

The report said about 96,000 black farmers sought restitution under the settlement; 72,438 of those claims were rejected in arbitration; and 7,800 for failing to meet filing deadlines.

more...
http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/1640132p-9350331c.html

[AspenRose]

1. STILL being screwed out of the 40 acres and the mule....literally

:grr:

[Catfight]

2. No kidding, I can't believe there isn't more outrage from the black

community than what is going on.