USDA is establishing a special advisory board to help USDA officials ensure Native Americans participate in and benefit from USDA programs. The board is being put in place as part of the Keepseagle settlement.
The Council for Native American Farming and Ranching will work closely with the Office of Tribal Relations, Farm Service Agency and other USDA agencies to improve the success of Native farmers and ranchers who access USDA’s entire portfolio of programs to build and achieve profitability in their businesses.
Keepseagle vs. Vilsack was a lawsuit alleging that USDA discriminated against Native American farmers and ranchers in the way it operated the Farm Loan Program. The lawsuit was settled late last year, and the settlement has been approved by the court. The filing period for claims opened June 29, 2011, and continues until Dec. 27, 2011. Up to $760 million will be made available in monetary relief, debt relief and tax relief to successful claimants. Claimant services representatives can be reached through calling 1-888-233-5506. Claimants must register for a claims package by calling the number or visiting http://www.indianfarmclass.com.
All nominations for advisory board membership should be sent by Jan. 20, 2012 to: Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20250, Attn: Council for Native American Farmers and Ranchers. Send comments to the Office of Tribal Relations, 500A Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington DC 20250.
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