DeLauro, Eshoo Support Equity for Female Farmers and Ranchers

Call for Continued Improvements to the Claims Process

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's (USDA) announcement that they are beginning thetime period for women and Hispanic farmers and ranchers who have suffereddiscrimination by the agency to file a claim.

"I am encouraged that the Administration is doing the rightthing and ensuring that women farmers and ranchers do not suffer discriminationin the future," DeLauro said. "While I continue to havereservations about parts of this claims process, I am glad to see it begin sowomen farmers and ranchers who have suffered discrimination in the past canfinally see justice. I will continue to work with USDA to ensure acomprehensive, effective outreach process and ensure that all women are treatedfairly."

Eshoo said: "The USDA's announcement is encouraging,but more should be done to help women farmers who were discriminated against inthe past. And we must take steps to ensure it does not happen again in thefuture. I remain committed to working with the Administration to right thiswrong."

DeLauro and Eshoo are longtime advocates for female farmersand in 2009 introduced the Equality for Women Farmers Act to address theissue and end USDA's practice of discrimination. The legislation would establisha system to compensate women who have been victims of USDA gender inequalityand ensure female farmers seeking loans in the future are considered on anequal basis with male farmers. The Congresswomen have also writtenmultiple letters to the USDA and Department of Justice to highlight thediscrimination and implore the Administration to rectify past injustices with afair and effective claims process.

The most recent Census of Agriculture identified more than amillion female farm operators, approximately 300,000 of which are principalfarm operators. That amounts to 14 percent of the 2.2 million farms inour country. An estimated 43,000 female farmers have beendiscriminatorily denied more than $4.6 billion in loans and servicing from USDA. The claims process announced today makes up to $1.33 billion available for cashawards and tax relief and as much as another $160 million available for farmdebt relief.

If you are a female or Hispanic farmer who has beendiscriminated against please call 1-888-508-4429 or go tofarmerclaims.gov. Eligible farmers and ranchers can file claims betweenSeptember 24, 2012 and March 25, 2013.