Judge approves USDA settlement with Indian farmers

A federal judge has approved a $680-million settlement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and American Indian farmers who say they were denied loans because of discrimination. The two sides agreed on the deal last year subject to court approval. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan approved the terms Thursday. Individuals who can prove discrimination could receive up to $250,000 from the government. The agreement also includes $80 million in farm debt forgiveness for the Indian plaintiffs and a series of initiatives to try to alleviate racism against American Indians and other minorities in areas covered by rural farm loan offices...more