DeLauro and Eshoo Praise Extension of Claims Period to May 1st

Gives Women Farmers Additional Time to File a Claim ofDiscrimination

WASHINGTON, DC--Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and AnnaEshoo (D-CA) released the following statements today in response to the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Justice (DOJ)'s announcementthat they are extending the time period for women and Hispanic farmers andranchers who have suffered discrimination by the agency to file a claim.

"I am glad this claims period is being extended so thatwomen farmers and ranchers who have suffered discrimination in the past canfinally see some justice. In particular, I would like to thank SecretaryVilsack for his efforts to extend the claims period," said DeLauro. "I hope that we can continue to work together to ensure that women farmers whosuffered discrimination in the past have access to a fair Administrative ClaimsProgram."

"It's only fair that the estimated 43,000 women farmers andranchers who have been discriminatorily denied billions in loans from the USDAhave ample time to submit their claims. The relatively low number of claimsfiled so far suggests that more time is necessary. I thank the USDA for itscontinued cooperation by extending the deadline of the claims program," Eshoosaid.

The most recent Census of Agriculture identified more than amillion female farm operators, approximately 300,000 of whom are principal farmoperators. That amounts to 14 percent of the 2.2 million farms in ourcountry.

If you are a female or Hispanic farmer who was discriminatedagainst between 1981 and 2000, please call 1-888-508-4429 or go tofarmerclaims.gov. Eligible farmers and ranchers can file claims throughMay 1, 2013.