WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has cited Texas-based Progreso Produce Limited 1 L.P. for failure to pay $3,904,232 to 8 sellers for 760 lots of produce, according to a press release.
Consequently, Progreso Produce will not be able to operate in the produce industry until June 25, 2016, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.
The company’s principal, Curtis H. Deberry, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until June 25, 2015. After this date he may once again be employed in the produce industry, contingent on the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
This latest news comes in the aftermath of Progreso Produce's bankrupcy case, which was filed in October of last year. For more on that story check out ANUK's last article here.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, include 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.
