WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has cited Farmers Processing Inc., a Watsonville, California-based company, for PACA violations.
Farmers Processing Inc. was cited for having failed to make payments to one produce seller in the amount of $1,061,313 for 141 lots of produce, according to a USDA press release.
As a result of these actions, USDA and Farmers Processing Inc. entered into a consent decision barring the company from operating in the produce industry until February 27, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license. The company’s principal, Raymond Rodriguez, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until February 27, 2016, and then only with posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or 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.
