<p> The USDA has cited Al Harrison Company Distributors for failure to make payment to twelve produce sellers and four growers under the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA).<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The company allegedly failed to make payment to twelve produce sellers in the amount of $690,537 from April 2012 through April 2013. And while acting as a grower’s agent, the company also failed to pay four growers $87,643 from September 2012 through April 2013. Al Harrison Company Distributors will have an opportunity to request a hearing. However, if the USDA finds that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years. In addition, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million, according to a press release. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, and major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0" target="_new"> Agricultural Marketing Service</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
