Responses to USDA Pigford II Settlement Agreement

USDA ANNOUNCES HISTORIC PIGFORD II SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

"WHAT THEY ARE SAYING"

National Black Farmers Association - Dr. John Boyd, President:

"Today's announcement moves us an important step closer to a just resolution of the black farmers cases. President Obama, Secretary Vilsack and the Administration have shown leadership in getting us to this moment. Next week another Black farmer will lose his farm. Others are at risk of not living to see justice. These farmers have waited for years, and simply cannot wait any longer for final resolution."

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee (CA):

"I am encouraged that today's settlement is an opportunity for black farmers who were denied the benefit of USDA loans and programs to begin to be made whole."

NAACP - Hilary O. Shelton, Director of Washington Bureau:

"The NAACP applauds the USDA for taking this crucial step today to finally close what is a painful, but sadly all too pervasive, chapter in our Nation's history. We would like to commend President Obama, Secretary Vilsack, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Dr. Joe Leonard and others for their commitment to seeing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture fully address this significant injustice and allow all who were affected to seek remedy. The NAACP is now committed to partnering with the USDA and the Congress to try to see that the full $1.25 billion requested by President Obama to help resolve the Pigford claims in his FY 2011 budget proposal is fulfilled. We are further committed to working with the Administration and the Congress to try to level the playing field and to prevent future discrimination against America's farmers."

(USDA Press Release)

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