Udall, Bennet Welcome Effort to Resolve Lawsuit by Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers

Press Release

As the federal government begins working to resolve long standing allegations of discrimination filed by a group of Hispanic farmers, U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet urged a speedy and fair decision that will recognize the inequities the farmers have faced and bring them the justice they deserve.

More than 100 Hispanic farmers filed the lawsuit in 2000, charging the U.S. Department of Agriculture with systematic discrimination in the review and awarding of operating and disaster loans between 1981 and 2000, which deprived them of critical farm aid. Farmers and ranchers in Colorado's San Luis Valley are among those who want a timely resolution of the lawsuit.

Earlier this week, the Obama administration began work on a plan to settle complaints from the Latino farmers. The discussions are ongoing.

Over the last year, Senators Udall and Bennet have urged the President and House and Senate leaders to work toward a fair resolution. Today, they said they were encouraged by the Administration's actions to begin working out a solution. And they reminded the government that tens of thousands of farmers have been waiting nearly a decade for justice.

"I am pleased to see that the Administration has made an earnest effort to resolve this issue," Senator Udall said. "A decade is a long time to wait for justice. Families in Colorado were hit hard financially after devastating natural disasters - yet they were denied aid or operating assistance because of their heritage. These family farmers deserve the ability to rebuild their lives and businesses. The sooner we can resolve this, the sooner we can move beyond a disconcerting period in USDA's history."

"Providing a path to justice for the thousands of farmers who were discriminated against is long overdue, and this proposal makes significant progress towards that goal." Senator Bennet said. "It is time to ensure that justice is served and these farmers can move forward rebuilding their lives and farms."

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