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FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2002

A group of African-American farmers held a protest outside the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

The farmers, accompanied by tractors and a mule, wanted to draw attention to a class action settlement they say has not been fully resolved. Secretary Ann Veneman promised to ensure all farmers are treated fairly.

The Clinton administration in 1999 settled the lawsuit, agreeing to pay each farmer $50,000 and forgive past loans. But the consent decree required farmers to prove they were discriminated.

The attorneys handling the case have since been rebuked by a federal court and a federal appeals court. Native American farmers are being represented by the same lawyers.

Get the Story:
Black farmers rally at USDA, demand settlement of claims (AP 8/23)
Black Farmers Seek Settlements From Bias Suit (The New York Times 8/23)
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Relevant Links:
Farmers Lawyer - http://www.farmerslawyer.com

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