Nationwide Representation for Farmers, Ranchers, and Forest Landowners
Did you suffer discrimination through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s farm loan program? You may be entitled to compensation. The USDA recently announced a financial assistance program to help farmers who were adversely affected by discriminatory practices.
At Levin Law, P.A., we represent individuals who have suffered discrimination through the USDA’s farm loan program or were given discriminatory lending terms. Farmers harmed by these practices are strongly encouraged to contact Levin Law founder and managing attorney Brian Levin at (305) 402-9050 or email contact@levinlawpa.com to schedule a free case evaluation.
What Is the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA)?
In August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. The Act repealed a portion of the American Rescue Plan and granted $3.1 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist Farm Loan Program borrowers who were distressed and had “at-risk agricultural operations.”
The Act also provided $2.2 billion in aid for farmers who had experienced discrimination under farm lending programs by the USDA. Farmers who have experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs are encouraged to apply for financial assistance with the help of an attorney. The USDA announced a goal of having payments distributed by the end of 2023.
Why Is the USDA Distributing Financial Assistance?
On July 7, 2023, the USDA issued a press release noting that they would be opening the Financial Assistance Application Process. The Financial Assistance program is designed to provide compensation for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who were discriminated against by the USDA in their farm loan process or who received discriminatory lending terms.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?
The program is not open to everyone. You must show that you experienced discrimination by the USDA in its farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021. You may also be eligible if you are a debtor with an assigned or assumed debt that was the subject of discrimination. To determine if you are eligible, you need to speak with an attorney.
When Will the Program End?
The government is accepting applications through October 31, 2023. If you suffered harm because of a discriminatory practice by the USDA, you need to consult with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand the process and determine how to move forward.
The application process can be overwhelming. It is best handled by a licensed attorney who will work with you to ensure you receive the largest compensation allowed under state law. You only have a short window for filing. Therefore, you must act fast. If you experienced discrimination prior to 2021 when applying for your job, you need to speak up to have your voice heard.
What Is Considered Discrimination?
Federal law prohibits an agency or other organization from discriminating against them. Discrimination may be subtle, or it may be overt.
Discrimination includes any time you are treated differently do your:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Ethnicity
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Religion
- Age
- Marital status
- Disability
It was determined that the USDA engaged in discriminatory practices in their farm lending program until 2021. If you suffered discrimination while farming, you might be eligible to file a claim. However, you need to act as soon as possible.
Is There Financial Assistance for Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers?
On August 11, 2023, the USDA announced it would begin providing financial assistance to Farm Loan Program borrowers who are facing financial distress. This is part of the $3.1 billion granted under Section 22006 Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Approximately 3,500 borrowers will receive financial assistance. Assistance is only available to Farm Loan Program borrowers who did not receive an initial payment under the October 2022 Inflation Reduction Act assistance.
Contact Levin Law for a Free Case Evaluation
Were you a farmer, rancher, or forest landowner discriminated against by the USDA? You might be entitled to compensation. Contact Levin Law founder and managing attorney Brian Levin at (305) 402-9050 or email contact@levinlawpa.com to schedule a free case evaluation.
Most cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients are not obligated to pay attorneys fees unless money is recovered on their behalf. Call now to get started.
About Levin Law
Levin Law is a premier national cryptocurrency, securities, commodities, futures, and class action law firm. Brian Levin, Levin Law’s founding attorney, has helped recover in excess of $150,000,000 through arbitration and litigation for individual and institutional investors throughout the country and the rest of the world. Levin Law represents retirees, individual investors, high-net-worth investors, ultra-high-net-worth investors, institutions, family offices, trusts, publicly held companies, and others.
