USDA Offers Settlement to Women, Hispanic Farmers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is offering more than $1.3 billion to settle complaints from female and Hispanic farmers who say they faced discrimination from the Agriculture Department.

The Agriculture and Justice departments announced Friday that farmers who could prove discrimination could receive up to $50,000. The proposal comes after the government settled with American Indians over similar discrimination issues last fall and Congress provided money for the second round of a black farmers settlement.

The government first announced its intent to settle the complaints in May. The more detailed offer announced Friday does not cap the amount of money that can be awarded and waives some application fees.