Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding the Pigford II settlement disbursements African American farmers began receiving this week from the United States Department of Agriculture:

“The Pigford I and II class action lawsuits attempted to address a history of discrimination by the Department of Agriculture.  Between 1983 and 1997, thousands of African American famers were denied loans solely because of their race. These discriminatory practices resulted in severe economic consequences for farmers, often preventing them from maintaining and keeping their farms.

“Throughout the settlement process, the Congressional Black Caucus has remained a fierce advocate for farmers in the Pigford cases. CBC Members held meetings with USDA and administration officials; wrote numerous letters on the farmers’ behalf; and successfully proposed an amendment to the 2008 Farm Bill that secured initial funding for claims in the Pigford II settlement.  

“Nearly 14 years after the first Pigford case was filed, I am pleased this chapter of discrimination in the history of the Department of Agriculture is closed and bureaucracy will no longer keep these farmers from receiving their due justice.”

###