Mr. Laurie C. Lawson announced his retirement on November 1, 2012, after serving twelve years as State Executive Director under two presidential administrations. Mr. Lawson served his first term from 1993 until 2001 and was appointed again in 2009. Mr. Lawson has served farmers, landowners, and rural South Carolina with distinction. Laurie Lawson’s personal faith, integrity, leadership has been his passion as he has provided leadership not only in FSA but in his career as a South Carolina farmer and leader in various Agriculture positions he has held in the State. His leadership will be greatly missed.

In his absence I will be serving as acting State Director and am looking forward to continuing the dedicated service to the farmers and ranchers of South Carolina. FSA employees will continue to do all that they can to be friendly, courteous, efficient, and productive while always abiding by the laws of this wonderful country where we are privileged to live.

The 2008 farm bill has expired and FSA will be in a transition until Congress completes new program requirements and the President signs it into law. The process of implementing a new farm bill after enactment will take several months. There will be new regulations to write, handbook development, employee training, and software changes to be made before implementation.

FSA will be notifying you through our newsletter, FSA web site, and public news releases once the farm bill is passed and program sign-up is announced. FSA employees, throughout the State, look forward serving you again through the next farm bill.

South Carolina State FSA Office

1927 Thurmond Mall, Suite 100

Columbia, SC 29201-2375

Phone: (803) 806-3830

Fax: (803) 806-3839

Battle, of Nichols, South Carolina, has farmed for several years in the eastern part of the state. During the Clinton Administration, Battle served as chairman of the South Carolina FSA State Committee. In addition to his agricultural activities, Battle has significant community leadership experience.

Dixon, from Aynor, South Carolina, has spent his life farming in Horry County. In addition, he has previously served on the South Carolina FSA State Committee. Dixon is a respected leader in his community and participates in several local organizations.

Trantham owns and operates a dairy in Pelzer, South Carolina. Trantham is known for his innovative feed production processes and has made significant contributions to conservation practices in the South Carolina dairy industry. His farm has been used in demonstrations on soil quality and erosion prevention projects.

Sharp is a row crop farmer from southern South Carolina. He has worked for decades on behalf of the farmers of the State. He has previously served as the Chairperson of the Allendale County Committee and continues to be active in local and state farming operations.

Koon owns a farm in Orangeburg County. Koon is active in several community projects and organizations.

WASHINGTON, February 8, 2013- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades that there are 45 days remaining in the filing period closing March 25, 2013.

"Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices in the past from the USDA have 45 days left to file a claim in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "USDA urges potential claimants to contact the Claims Administrator for information and mail their claim packages on or before March 25, 2013."

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied his or her application for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

The Department will continue reaching out to potential Hispanic and female claimants around the country to get the word out to individuals who may be eligible for this program so they have the opportunity to participate.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants may register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) or may download the forms from the website. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website at any time or call center telephone number Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov

Phone: 1-888-508-4429

Claims Period: September 24, 2012 - March 25, 2013.

Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Under Secretary Vilsack's leadership, USDA has instituted a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Department as a model service provider and to ensure that every farmer and rancher is treated equally and fairly as part of "a new era of civil rights" at USDA. In February 2010, the Secretary announced the Pigford II settlement with African American farmers, and in October 2010, he announced the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers. Both of those settlements have since received court approval. Unlike the cases brought by African American and Native American farmers, the cases filed by Hispanic and women farmers over a decade ago were not certified as class actions. The claims process provides a voluntary alternative to continuing litigation for Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers who want to use it.

Audio and video public service announcements in English and Spanish from Secretary Vilsack and downloadable print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women farmer claims process are available at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml

USDA Announces Important Updates

on the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2013—U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan Garcia today announced that beginning Feb. 5, USDA will issue payments to dairy farmers enrolled in the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program for the September 2012 marketings. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) through 2013 for many programs administered by FSA, including MILC. The 2008 Farm Bill extension provides for a continuation of the MILC program through Sept. 30, 2013.

MILC payments are triggered when the Boston Class I milk price falls below $16.94 per hundredweight, after adjustment for the cost of dairy feed rations. MILC payments are calculated each month using the latest milk price and feed cost.

As announced by FSA on Jan. 22, all dairy producers’ MILC contracts are automatically extended to Sept. 30, 2013. Eligible producers therefore do not need to re-enroll in MILC. MILC operations with approved contracts will continue to receive monthly payments, if available.

The payment rate for September 2012 is approximately $0.59 per hundredweight. The payment rate for October 2012 marketings is approximately $0.02 per hundredweight. The payment rate for November 2012 marketings is zero.

Before the October MILC payment can be issued, dairy farmers must complete a new Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) form for 2013. The new form, CCC-933 Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information, must complete by producers before they can receive payments for a variety of programs administered by FSA and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Producers may obtain CCC-933 at their local USDA Service Center or online at www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc933. Specific detail about AGI may be found here.

Dairy operations may select a production start month other than October 2012. Producers who want to select a production start month other than October 2012 must visit their local FSA office between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28, 2013, also known as a relief period.

FSA will provide producers with information on program requirements, updates and signups as the information becomes available. For more information on MILC, contact a local FSA county office or visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for many Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity, disaster, and conservation programs through 2013. FSA administers these programs.

The extended programs include, among others: the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program (DCP), the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE), and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC). FSA is preparing the following actions:

• FSA will begin sign-ups for DCP and ACRE for the 2013 crops on Feb. 19, 2013. The DCP sign-up period will end on Aug. 2, 2013; the ACRE sign-up period will end on June 3, 2013.

o The 2013 DCP and ACRE program provisions are unchanged from 2012, except that all eligible participants in 2013 may choose to enroll in either DCP or ACRE for the 2013 crop year. This means that eligible producers who were enrolled in ACRE in 2012 may elect to enroll in DCP in 2013 or may re-enroll in ACRE in 2013 (and vice versa).

• All dairy producers’ MILC contracts are automatically extended to Sept. 30, 2013. Eligible producers therefore do not need to re-enroll in MILC. Specific details regarding certain modifications to MILC will be released soon.

FSA will provide producers with information on program requirements, updates and signups as the information becomes available. Any additional details will be posted on FSA’s website.

For more information about the programs and loans administered by FSA, visit any FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.

Importante Anuncio de la Farm Service Agency Sobre la Actualización de Programas

WASHINGTON, 22 de enero de 2013— La Agencia de Servicio Agrícola (“Farm Service Agency” o FSA) del Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU. (“U.S. Department of Agriculture”) recuerda a los productores que la Ley de Alivio al Contribuyente Estadounidense de 2012 (“American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012”) extendió la autorización de la Ley de Alimentos, Conservación y Energía de 2008 (Ley Agrícola de 2008 o “2008 Farm Bill”) para muchos programas de la Corporación de Crédito para Productos Básicos (“Commodity Credit Corporation” o CCC) hasta 2013. La FSA administra los programas de la CCC.

Los programas extendidos incluyen, entre otros: el Programa de Pago Directo y Contra Cíclico (“Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program” o DCP), el Programa Electivo de Ingresos Promedio por Cosechas (“Average Crop Revenue Election Program” o ACRE), y el Programa de Contrato por Pérdida de Ingresos Lácteos (“Milk Income Loss Contract Program” o MILC). La FSA está preparándose para las siguientes acciones:

• La FSA comenzará la inscripción para DCP y ACRE el 19 de febrero de 2013. El período de inscripción para DCP termina el 2 de agosto de 2013; el período de inscripción de ACRE termina el 3 de junio de 2013.

o Las disposiciones del programa ACRE de 2013 no se han modificado desde 2012, excepto que en el 2013, todos los participantes tendrán la opción de inscribirse en cualquiera de los dos programas DCP o ACRE para el año de cultivo 2013. Esto significa que productores elegibles que estaban inscritos en ACRE en 2012 pueden optar por inscribirse en DCP en 2013 o pueden volver a inscribirse en ACRE en 2013 (y viceversa).

• Todos los contratos MILC de productores lecheros se extenderán automáticamente hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2013, así que los productores no necesitan volver a inscribirse en MILC. Detalles específicos sobre el programa MILC se darán a conocer pronto.

La FSA proporcionará a los productores toda la información sobre los requisitos de programas, actualizaciones programáticas y fechas de inscripción a medida que la información esté disponible. Los detalles adicionales serán publicados en la página web de la FSA.

Para obtener más información acerca de los programas y los préstamos administrados por la FSA, visite cualquier oficina de condado de la FSA o www.fsa.usda.gov.

Microloans up to $35,000 aim to assist small farmers, veterans, and disadvantaged producers

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2013 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new microloan program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to help small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000. The new microloan program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome, more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm loans.

“I have met several small and beginning farmers, returning veterans and disadvantaged producers interested in careers in farming who too often must rely on credit cards or personal loans with high interest rates to finance their start-up operations,” said Vilsack. “By further expanding access to credit to those just starting to put down roots in farming, USDA continues to help grow a new generation of farmers, while ensuring the strength of an American agriculture sector that drives our economy, creates jobs, and provides the most secure and affordable food supply in the world.”

The new microloans, said Vilsack, represent how USDA continues to make year-over-year gains in expanding credit opportunities for minority, socially-disadvantaged and young and beginning farmers and ranchers across the United States. The final rule establishing the microloan program will be published in the Jan. 17 issue of the Federal Register.

Administered through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Operating Loan Program, the new microloan program offers credit options and solutions to a variety of producers. FSA has a long history of providing agricultural credit to the nation’s farmers and ranchers through its Operating Loan Program. In assessing its programs, FSA evaluated the needs of smaller farm operations and any unintended barriers to obtaining financing. For beginning farmers and ranchers, for instance, the new microloan program offers a simplified loan application process. In addition, for those who want to grow niche crops to sell directly to ethnic markets and farmers markets, the microloan program offers a path to obtain financing. For past FSA Rural Youth Loan recipients, the microloan program provides a bridge to successfully transition to larger-scale operations.

Since 2009, USDA has made a record amount of farm loans through FSA—more than 128,000 loans totaling nearly $18 billion. USDA has increased the number of loans to beginning farmers and ranchers from 11,000 loans in 2008 to 15,000 loans in 2011. More than 40 percent of USDA’s farm loans now go to beginning farmers. In addition, USDA has increased its lending to socially-disadvantaged producers by nearly 50 percent since 2008.

Producers can apply for a maximum of $35,000 to pay for initial start-up expenses such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, essential tools, irrigation, delivery vehicles, and annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing, and distribution expenses. As their financing needs increase, applicants can apply for an operating loan up to the maximum amount of $300,000 or obtain financing from a commercial lender under FSA’s Guaranteed Loan Program.

USDA farm loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies, or be to construct buildings or make farm improvements. Small farmers often rely on credit cards or personal loans, which carry high interest rates and have less flexible payment schedules, to finance their operations. Expanding access to credit, USDA’s microloan will provide a simple and flexible loan process for small operations.

Producers interested in applying for a microloan may contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers.

Micropréstamos de hasta $35,000 para ayudar a los pequeños agricultores, los veteranos, y los productores en desventaja

MEMPHIS, 15 de Enero de 2013—El Secretario de Agricultura Tom Vilsack anunció hoy un nuevo programa de micropréstamos del Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU. (“U.S. Department of Agriculture” o USDA) diseñado para ayudar a las operaciones pequeñas y de familias, y a los agricultores principiantes y en desventaja económica a obtener préstamos de menos de $35,000. El objetivo del nuevo programa de micropréstamos es respaldar el progreso de productores durante los años que inician un nuevo negocio, proporcionando los recursos necesarios y mayor capital para que puedan llegar a graduarse al crédito comercial y expandir sus operaciones. Este nuevo programa de micropréstamos también ofrecerá un proceso de solicitud menos laborioso y más sencillo en comparación a los préstamos agrícolas tradicionales.

"He conocido a varios productores pequeños y principiantes, veteranos que regresan y productores en desventaja económica interesados en carreras en la agricultura, pero que necesitan recurrir demasiado a tarjetas de crédito o préstamos personales con altas tasas de interés para financiar sus nuevas operaciones", dijo Vilsack. "Al ampliar aún más el acceso al crédito para los que comienzan a echar raíces en la agricultura, el USDA sigue ayudando a crecer una nueva generación de agricultores, garantizando al mismo tiempo la solidez del sector de la agricultura estadounidense que impulsa nuestra economía, crea empleos y produce el suministro de alimento más seguro y asequible de todo el mundo".

Los micropréstamos nuevos, dijo Vilsack, representan un ejemplo más de cómo el USDA continúa año tras año expandiendo las oportunidades de crédito para las minorías, los que están en desventaja económica y para los agricultores y ganaderos jóvenes y principiantes de todo Estados Unidos. La norma final que establece el programa de micropréstamos será publicada en la edición del 17 de enero del Registro Federal.

Administrado a través del programa de préstamos de operación (“operating loan program” u OL) de la Agencia de Servicio Agrícola (“Farm Service Agency” o FSA) del USDA, el nuevo programa de micropréstamos ofrece opciones de crédito y soluciones a una gran variedad de productores. La FSA tiene una larga historia de conceder crédito agrícola a los agricultores y ganaderos de la nación a través de su programa de préstamos para operación. En una evaluación de sus programas, la FSA consideró las necesidades de las operaciones agrícolas más pequeñas y las barreras inesperadas en la búsqueda de financiamiento. Para los agricultores y ganaderos principiantes, por ejemplo, el nuevo programa de micropréstamos ofrecerá un proceso de solicitud de préstamo simplificado. Además, para aquellos que quieren cultivar productos nicho para vender directamente a los mercados étnicos y mercados de agricultores, el programa de micropréstamos ofrece un camino para obtener el financiamiento que necesitan. Para pasados destinatarios de préstamos de juventud rural (“Rural Youth Loan”), el programa de micropréstamos sirve de puente para una transición exitosa a operaciones de mayor escala.

Desde 2009, el USDA ha concedido una cantidad récord de préstamos agrícolas a través de la FSA - más de 128,000 préstamos por un total de casi $18 mil millones. El USDA ha aumentado el número de préstamos a los agricultores y ganaderos principiantes de 11,000 préstamos en 2008 a 15,000 préstamos en 2011. Más del 40 por ciento de los préstamos agrícolas del USDA ahora se otorgan a agricultores principiantes. Además, el USDA ha aumentado sus préstamos a los productores en desventaja económica en casi un 50 por ciento desde 2008.

Los productores pueden solicitar un máximo de $35,000 para pagar los gastos iniciales de abrir o iniciar una operación, gastos tales como casas de invernadero (“hoop houses”) para extender la temporada de cultivo, herramientas esenciales, equipo de riego, vehículos de reparto y gastos anuales tales como semillas, fertilizantes, servicios públicos, alquiler de la tierra, costo de comercialización, y los gastos de distribución. Al aumentar su necesidad de financiamiento, los productores pueden solicitar un préstamo de operación hasta un monto máximo de $300,000 u obtener financiamiento de un prestamista comercial bajo el programa de préstamos garantizados (“Guaranteed Loan Program”) de la FSA.

Los préstamos agrícolas del USDA se pueden utilizar para comprar tierras, ganado, equipo, alimentos, semillas e insumos, o para la construcción de edificios o hacer mejoras a la granja. Los pequeños agricultores a menudo dependen de las tarjetas de crédito o préstamos personales, que llevan altas tasas de interés y planes de pago mucho menos flexibles, para financiar sus operaciones. Ampliando acceso al crédito, los micropréstamos del USDA ofrecerán un proceso de préstamo simple y flexible para operaciones agrícolas pequeñas.

Los productores interesados en solicitar un micropréstamo pueden comunicarse con su oficina local de la Farm Service Agency.

La Administración de Obama, con el liderazgo del Secretario de Agricultura Vilsack, ha trabajado incansablemente para fortalecer la América rural, mantener una red de seguridad agrícola fuerte, y crear oportunidades para los agricultores y ganaderos. La Agricultura estadounidense está experimentando uno de sus períodos más productivos en su historia gracias a la productividad, adaptabilidad y el ingenio de nuestros productores agrícolas.

El Departamento de Agricultura de Estados Unidos (USDA) es un proveedor de servicios, empleador y prestamista que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades para todos. Si usted quiere presentar una queja de discriminación, escriba a USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, o llame al (800) 795-3272 o al (202) 720-6382 para las personas con discapacidad auditiva.

Claims Filing Period for Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Who Claim Past Discrimination at USDA to Open on September 24, 2012 Those Eligible Must File Claims No Later Than March 25, 2013

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2012- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims between September 24, 2012 and March 25, 2013.

"Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices from the USDA must file a claim by March 25, 2013 in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "The opening of this claims process is part of USDA's ongoing efforts to correct the wrongs of the past and ensure fair treatment to all current and future customers."

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000.

As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

The Department will continue reaching out to potential Hispanic and female claimants, around the country to get the word out to individuals who may be eligible for this program so they have the opportunity to participate.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website or claims telephone number.

Website: http://www.farmerclaims.gov

Phone: 1-888-508-4429

Claims Period: September 24, 2012 - March 25, 2013.

Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Under Secretary Vilsack's leadership, USDA has instituted a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Department as a model service provider and to ensure that every farmer and rancher is treated equally and fairly as part of "a new era of civil rights" at USDA. This Administration has made it a priority to resolve all of the past program class action civil rights cases facing the Department, and today's announcement is another major step towards achieving that goal. In February 2010, the Secretary announced the Pigford II settlement with African American farmers, and in October 2010, he announced the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers. Both of those settlements have since received court approval. Unlike the cases brought by African American and Native American farmers, the cases filed by Hispanic and women farmers over a decade ago were not certified as class actions and are still pending in the courts as individual matters. The claims process provides a voluntary alternative to continuing litigation for Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers who want to use it.

Audio and video public service announcements in English and Spanish from Secretary Vilsack and downloadable print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women farmer claims process are available at:http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml

WASHINGTON, 21 de septiembre, 2012- El secretario de Agricultura Tom Vilsack anunció hoy que los agricultores y ganaderos hispanos, y mujeres agricultoras y ganaderas que alegan discriminación por el Departamento de Agricultura de Estados Unidos (USDA por sus siglas en inglés) en décadas pasadas pueden presentar reclamaciones del 24 de septiembre de 2012 hasta el 25 de marzo de 2013.

"Los agricultores y ganaderos hispanos, y mujeres agricultoras y ganaderas que consideran que enfrentaron prácticas discriminatorias de parte del USDA tienen hasta el 25 de marzo, 2013, para presentar un reclamo y tener la posibilidad de recibir un pago en efectivo o condonación de deuda", afirmó el secretario Vilsack. "El inicio de este proceso de reclamación es parte de los esfuerzos en curso del USDA por corregir errores del pasado y asegurar el tratamiento justo de todos sus clientes actuales y futuros".

El proceso ofrece una alternativa voluntaria al litigio a cada agricultor o ganadero hispano, y mujer agricultora y ganadera que pueda probar que el USDA negó su solicitud de préstamo o de asistencia con servicio de préstamos por razones discriminatorias durante ciertos periodos entre 1981 y 2000.

Como se anunció en febrero del 2011, el proceso voluntario de reclamaciones pondrá a disposición al menos $1.33 mil millones para indemnizaciones en efectivo y ayuda con el pago de impuestos, además de hasta $160 millones en condonación de deudas agrícolas a los agricultores y ganaderos hispanos, y mujeres agricultoras y ganaderas que cumplan con los requisitos. El programa no requiere pago alguno por participar o para presentar una reclamación.

El departamento continuará realizando esfuerzos de alcance a reclamantes potenciales, sean hispanos o mujeres, en todo el país a fin de que todas aquellas personas que posiblemente cumplan con los requisitos de este programa tengan la oportunidad de participar.

Para comunicarse con un representante del centro telefónico debe llamar al 1-888-508-4429. Los reclamantes deben inscribirse para recibir los documentos de reclamación (al llamar a ese número o visitar el sitio de Internet) y los documentos se les enviarán por correo. Se alienta a todos los interesados en recibir información adicional sobre el proceso de reclamación y en recibir el paquete de documentos de reclamación a asistir a reuniones en sus comunidades sobre el proceso de reclamación, visitar el sitio de Internet o llamar al número telefónico para reclamaciones.

Sitio de Internet: http://www.farmerclaims.gov

Teléfono: 1-888-508-4429

Periodo de reclamaciones: 24 de septiembre, 2012 – 25 de marzo, 2013.

Empresas independientes de servicios legales administrarán el proceso de reclamación y realizarán las adjudicaciones. No se requiere abogado para participar en el proceso de reclamaciones, pero las personas que deseen asesoría jurídica pueden ponerse en contacto con un abogado u otro proveedor de servicios legales.

Bajo el liderazgo del Secretario Vilsack, el USDA ha establecido un plan integral para ayudar a fortalecer el Departamento como un proveedor de servicios modelo y para asegurar que todo agricultor y ganadero reciba un trato equitativo y justo en esta “nueva era de derechos civiles" en el USDA. El Secretario y el Presidente Obama han dado prioridad a resolver todos los casos pasados de demandas colectivas sobre derechos civiles relacionados con programas que el departamento enfrenta, y el anuncio de hoy es otro paso importante para lograr dicho objetivo. En febrero del 2010, el Secretario anunció el acuerdo Pigford II con agricultores afroamericanos y en octubre del 2010, anunció el acuerdo Keepseagle con agricultores indígenas norteamericanos. Ambos acuerdos han recibido aprobación judicial. A diferencia de los casos entablados por los agricultores afroamericanos e indígenas, los casos presentados por agricultores y ganaderos hispanos, y mujeres agricultoras y ganaderas hace más de una década no fueron declarados demandas colectivas y aun siguen pendiente en los tribunales donde se tratan como casos individuales. El proceso de reclamaciones ofrece a los agricultores y ganaderos hispanos, y a las mujeres agricultoras y ganaderas una alternativa voluntaria en lugar de continuar litigios si desean usarla.

Anuncios de servicio público en audio y video en inglés y español del Secretario Vilsack y anuncios tipo “banner” o cintillo para Internet sobre el proceso de reclamos para agricultores hispanos y mujeres agricultoras están disponible para descargar en la web en: http://www.usda.gov/PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml

Click below if you are a woman or Hispanic farmer and believe you were improperly denied farm loan benefits by USDA between 1981 and 2000. You may be eligible for compensation.

If you want to register your name to receive a claims packet, you can call the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429, or access the following website: http://www.farmerclaims.gov

Referral Guide for USDA Settlements and Claims Adjudication Process:

HISPANIC and WOMEN Farmers and Ranchers Claims Adjudication: 1-888-508-4429; http://www.farmerclaims.gov/

NATIVE AMERICANS Settlement Agreement (Keepseagle v. Vilsack): 1-888-233-5506; http://www.indianfarmclass.com

AFRICAN AMERICANS Settlement Agreement (Pigford II): 1-866-950-5547 OR 1-866-472-7826; http://www.blackfarmercase.com

All Media calls - refer to the USDA Office of Communication at 202-720-4623

The Farm Service Agency Fence Post is an online newsletter that is updated on an almost daily basis. It contains articles of interest on the agency's programs and departments, as well as success stories from the field. To access Fence Post, visit http://fsa.blogs.govdelivery.com/. Producers can sign up for weekly Fence Post updates by putting an email address in the box that says "Get Email Updates".