(Albuquerque, NM) – January 24, 2013 –USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA,) Rural Development (RD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host two public meetings where USDA program updates and the Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Process will be discussed. The 180-day Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers claims filing period opened September 24, 2012 and will close on March 25, 2013.

Below are the upcoming USDA Public Meetings:

Northern New Mexico

USDA Public Meeting

February 14, 2013 at 9:00 am

Historic Plaza Hotel

230 Plaza Park in Las Vegas

Southern New Mexico

USDA Public Meeting

February 26, 2013 at 9:00 am

NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

4100 Dripping Springs Rd. in Las Cruces

Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers who farmed or attempted to farm between 1981 and 2000, who allege USDA discrimination when seeking USDA farm loan assistance are encouraged to attend this meeting.

For more information regarding the scheduled meetings, please contact Veronica Tribbet, Communications Coordinator at 505-761-4900.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in these meetings should contact Veronica Tribbet at 505-761-4900 or veronica.tribbet@nm.usda.gov or 202-720-6382 (TDD) or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).