Black farmers and their families, who were denied settlements from the 1999 Pigford II class action settlement worth $1.25 billion, can now receive information about their legal rights and options.

Those black farmers who farmed, or attempted to farm, between Jan. 1, 1981 and Dec. 9, 2010 and were prevented from applying for or denied a United States Department of Agriculture farm loan during the period, or were given a loan with unfair terms or were unable to receive benefits based on late claims filed, are eligible for the settlement.

The plaintiffs and USDA announced the proposed settlement in late 2010 and President Barack Obama signed the bill authorizing payment of the settlement on December 2010. If approved by the court, the settlement will resolve discrimination claims related to USDA farm loans and other benefits.

Collins Pettaway, attorney with Chestnut, Sanders, Sanders, Pettaway and Campbell, said once a federal judge approves the settlement, which is expected around September, disbursements of funds should begin in September 2012.

“Verifying claims takes about a year,” Pettaway said. “This settlement allows farmers to get some type of relief from their struggles all of this time. It’s a drop in the bucket, but it’s better than what they’ve had in the beginning.”

Pettaway said the court-ordered settlement “In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigations,” is important to handle now.

“At least they (black farmers) are being acknowledged and recognized,” Pettaway said. “And doing so has a greater effect on them.”

Selma farmer Matthew Moore, 73, has been farming since the 1956. After his father died, he farmed to take care of his sister. He’s been denied twice for a claim.

“They told me I couldn’t receive anything because I was late in filing,” Moore said. “This (money) is very important to those who’ve never had nothing — those who’ve been working for others all of their lives.”

Moore, who would make up to $2 a day or $10 a week farming, currently owns chickens, hogs, cows and a small garden.

“I’m a survivor, and I would feel good about getting this money,” Moore said. “I’d be very proud.”

Clark Ward, a retired okra farmer, said he also hopes to stand in line for the settlement.

“I’ve had family members who were discriminated against and I’ve been hurt in many ways myself,” Ward said. “I still love farming.”

The compensation, Ward said, is much needed.

“It feels good to hear about it,” Ward said. “This is good for farmers.”

For complete information, which includes the detailed notice, key dates and claims filing, visit www.BlackFarmerCase.com or call 1-877-810-8110. T

he deadline for filing claims under this settlement may be as early as Feb. 28, 2012.

For those who do not act, their rights may be affected. Those who do not wish to participate must object by Aug. 12. 2011.