Black US farmers win race-bias case

06 January 1999

Black US farmers win race-bias case

HUNDREDS of black farmers have won a case against the United States Government, alleging years of discrimination in loans and subsidies.

The Government is to pay more than 1000 farmers up to $375 million (£234m) to settle the claims.

The average debt is believed to run between $75,000 and $100,000.

The lawsuit alleged years of discrimination against black farmers through the denial of farm loans, crop subsidies and other benefits.

The case was due to come to court on 1 February.

• The Guardian 06/01/99 page 10