AskUSDA (2024)

FAQs

How much is the USDA discrimination lawsuit payout? ›

After years of protests, lawsuits, and failed bills, the organization, led by President John Boyd, has successfully secured a $2.2 billion payout for discrimination in farm lending from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

​​​ AskUSDA is a contact center that answers general inquiries from the public using trained agents and self-service options. To date, AskUSDA has partnered with 19 agencies to improve the customer experience offered to the public.

The guidance resource, askFSIS, is a Web-based computer application, designed to respond to technical and policy-related questions from FSIS inspectors, industry, consumers, other stakeholders, and the public.

In general, you'll have a good chance of winning your lawsuit or agreeing to a favorable settlement if you have solid, documented evidence of serious discrimination, significant damages, and an experienced attorney working for you.

$253 Million Settlement

Sanford Heisler Sharp achieved the largest jury verdict in U.S. history in an employment discrimination case. A jury awarded $253 million after finding the pharmaceutical giant liable for gender discrimination in pay, promotions, and relating to...

While response to the Census of Agriculture is required by law, USDA will not fine a producer who does not return their ag census form.

USDA regulations protect and promote U.S. agricultural health, administer the Animal Welfare Act, carry out wildlife damage management activities, and ensure that America's agricultural exports are protected from unjustified trade restrictions.

USDA Prime: Produced from well-fed, young cattle, Prime is the USDA's highest grade, featuring abundant marbling (flecks of fat within the meat that makes it more flavorful). USDA Choice is the second-highest grade, with flavorful, tender cuts but with less marbling than USDA Prime.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring that United States' commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.

An inspection mark on the label lets you know the meat or poultry product has been inspected and that it is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. See FSIS' Inspection Programs.

What is the difference between the FDA and the FSIS? ›

FDA, through its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), regulates foods other than the meat, poultry, and egg products regulated by FSIS. FDA is also responsible for the safety of drugs, medical devices, biologics, animal feed and drugs, cosmetics, and radiation emitting devices.

The settlement amount awarded for a California discrimination lawsuit varies based on the size of the company and the circ*mstances of the discrimination. For companies with up to 100 employees, the limit of compensatory damages is $50,000.

There are usually two components to asserted damages in an employment termination claim, and therefore to any settlement of such a claim: (1) compensation for economic losses such as back pay, and (2) compensation for emotional distress harm. Both are considered taxable “income” by the IRS.

Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in USDA farm lending prior to 2021.

If you have been discriminated against, you can claim for compensation. Many factors can affect how much money you will be awarded if you win your discrimination claim. This page explains how courts decide the amount they can give you in non-employment cases.