USDA Says It Wants To Resolve Indian Farmer Claim

KEN THOMAS

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration intends to seek resolution to a lawsuit filed by American Indian farmers who alleged discrimination in the granting of federal agricultural loans over three decades.

The lawsuit, filed in 1999, contends Indian farmers and ranchers lost about $500 million during the past three decades because of discrimination in lending from the Agriculture Department's Farm Service Agency. The agency issues loans to farmers and ranchers who cannot get credit from commercial lenders.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Indian farmers and ranchers during a meeting Thursday that the department was "committed to resolving" litigation involving them.

On Friday, Justice Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz said the case is expected to be considered again by the court early next year. While it "would be premature to discuss settlement" at this time, she said the Agriculture and Justice departments "will give fair consideration to settling claims based on the facts and circumstances of each case."

The lawsuit, named after George Keepseagle, a Fort Yates, N.D., rancher, claimed the Agriculture Department denied or delayed loans or failed to approve enough money for tribal farmers and ranchers.