GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT IN MINORITY FARMER LAWSUIT
                                                               
                                           Release No.  0001.99
                                                               
                                   Laura Trivers (202) 720-4623
                                         laura.trivers@usda.gov
                                    Tom Amontree (202) 720-4623
                                          tom.amontree@usda.gov
                                                               
                                        
GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT IN MINORITY FARMER LAWSUIT

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 1999 Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced an historic agreement to settle the discrimination lawsuit against
the U.S. Department of Agriculture brought by African American farmers.  

     "More than two years ago, I said that this civil rights struggle was
USDA's appointment with history.  Today's agreement will close a painful
chapter in the Department's history and allow us to open a more constructive
front in our efforts to be the federal civil rights leader in the 21st
century," Glickman said.  "I want to especially thank President Clinton.
Through his involvement, we passed a waiver to the statute of limitations
allowing older cases to be heard, and today we have reached a fair and
reasonable resolution."  

     Glickman said, "By the guideposts I established for negotiations, this
settlement is fair to farmers and fair to U.S. taxpayers. The settlement also
retains flexibility in terms of how individual farmers' cases are resolved, so
we can do our best to meet their needs."

     U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman today granted preliminary approval to
the settlement and set a fairness hearing for March when the agreement is
expected to be given final approval, allowing the processing of cases.  

     The agreement spells out a process for settling the cases of African
American farmers who have sued the Department as part of a class action for
discrimination complaints between 1981 and 1996.  There are two tracks to the
process.  The first track allows those who meet the class definition and who
can provide substantial evidence of discrimination to receive a monetary
settlement of $50,000, as well as additional relief in the form of debt write-
downs and some offset of tax liability. 

     There is a second track  for those who believe they have evidence of
extreme wrongdoing.  These cases must be well documented, and farmers must
justify a larger pay-out. When a farmer meets this standard, this track allows
for a tailored settlement that will be determined by a third party. 

     Farmers are not required to take part in this settlement process. 
Instead, they  can also choose to continue their individual cases in court or
utilize the Department's administrative process.

     "I want to make clear that this is not the end of USDA's civil rights
initiative.  We still have more to do to ensure that all of our customers and
our employees are treated with dignity and respect.  But without question,
today we mark a major milestone in our efforts -- not just for the farmers but
for all the good, decent people here at USDA who have worked hard to help
bring us to this day," Glickman said. 


     Soon, notices will be sent out to all members of the class making them
aware of their options under this settlement.  Once the final settlement is
signed, the cases will begin to be processed.

     "I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly on this settlement
agreement.  I want to recognize the African American farmers across the
country who stood up for their rights.  We are a stronger department and a
stronger country today for their commitment to justice," Glickman said.

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