WASHINGTON – Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades have just two weeks to submit claims for the filing period closing March 25.

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.

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.