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Co-Lead Class Counsel, Attorney Greg Francis, on the Settlement Timeline – April 3, 2013

In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litig., Case No. 08-mc-0511 (D.D.C.) (sometimes referred to as “Pigford II”) represents one of the largest civil rights settlements against the United States government in its history. Through this Settlement Agreement, approximately 34,000 African American farmers with claims of discrimination against the United States Department of Agriculture will have their cases heard on the merits, notwithstanding the fact that they filed late claims in the earlier class action known as Pigford v. Glickman (“Pigford I.”). After the adjudication of Pigford II claims by a Court-appointed Neutral, up to $1.25 billion in federal funds (minus implementation costs and attorneys’ fees) will be paid out to meritorious claimants. These payments will likely be made in the late spring or summer of 2013.

With public funds of this magnitude at stake, the Pigford II case and claims process have been subject to substantial oversight and scrutiny. Class Counsel, government attorneys, the Court, a Court-appointed Ombudsman, and numerous others involved in the case have worked hard to develop and implement a claims process and distribution of awards that is fair, efficient, timely, and completed with integrity.

Click on the links below for more information about the Pigford II case, its Settlement, and its claims process:

• Background and Funding History of Pigford II
• Legislative History of Pigford II
• The Claims Process
• Payment of Awards
• Dispelling the Most Common Myths about Pigford II
• Reports on the Pigford II Claims Process
• Black Farmer Stories

To access the official notice website approved by the Court for Pigford II, click here.