WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said recently that Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the United States Department of Agriculture in past decades need to file there claims before the deadline of March 25.

“Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices in the past from the USDA have fewer than 30 days left to file a claim in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness,” Vilsack said. “USDA urges potential claimants to contact the claims administrator for information and mail their claim packages … . “

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied his or her application for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods from 1981 through 2000.

As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

For information, call 1-888-508-4429 or visit www.farmerclaims.gov. Claimants may register for a claims package by calling or visiting the website.