@@USDA SCHEDULES IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETINGS REGARDING

THE HISPANIC AND WOMEN FARMERS AND RANCHERS CLAIM PROCESS

(MADISON, WI) – November 13, 2012 - The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural Development Agencies will hold a public meeting on November 29, 2012. Each agency will provide program updates and Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin FSA Executive Director will discuss the Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Process. The Claims period opened on September 24, 2012 and will close on March 25, 2013.


WHO: Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin FSA Executive Director

Stan Gruszynski, Wisconsin Rural Development State Director

Colleen Oestreich, NRCS Acting State Conservationist

WHAT: Public meetings for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege USDA discrimination when seeking USDA farm loan assistance between 1981 and 2000. Two meetings will be held in Wisconsin.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Lyman Anderson County Building

5201 Fen Oak Court, Room 121A

Madison, WI

and

Thursday, December 6, 2012

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Chippewa Valley Technical College - Manufacturing Education Center

2320 Alpine Road, Room 130

Eau Claire, WI 54703

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Yes - immediately following meeting

CONTACT: Cally Ehle

Public Affairs Specialist, Farm Service Agency

608.662.4422 x141

cally.ehle@wi.usda.gov

For more information about USDA and USDA programs, visit: http://www.usda.gov.