ATLANTA…On October 27, 2011, Judge Paul Friedman in the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC approved the “In Re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation Settlement”  (known to many as Pigford 2). It took approximately 20 years of struggle to reach this point….and this after study upon study and testimony in past decades demonstrating the egregious discrimination against Black farmers by the USDA.We are aware of the fact that in some states there are meetings being held suggesting, unfortunately, that it is still possible to get into this lawsuit. This has led to considerable misinformation circulating around the South about who is entitled to seek an award under the settlement. 

The fact is that in order to file a claim in the Pigford 2 lawsuit, a claimant must be able to show that they submitted a written request to participate in the Pigford 1 lawsuit between October 13, 1999 up to June 18, 2008 when the 2008 Farm Bill passed Congress. 

Further, no one should have to pay money to be part of the Pigford lawsuit. 

The lawsuit’s claims process is progressing quickly. We are now in the midst of the 180 day period for claimants to file their claims. The end date is May 11, 2012. If you have questions about whether you are in the lawsuit please call EPIQ at 877 810 8110 and they will assist you with that information. (EPIQ is the administrator in the lawsuit.)  

To submit your claim, you also need to call EPIQ at 877 810 8110 to make an appointment with attorneys in your state. If you are a claimant, or have friends who are claimants, please call EPIQ now for an appointment if you have not already done so!!!!

To see the list of meetings in the various states, please go to the “In Re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation Settlement” website at www.blackfarmercase.com or go directly to this URL at the website –  https://www.blackfarmercase.com//Meetings.aspx to find the list of meetings.