WASHINGTON - The USDA has restricted the operations of Nogales, Arizona-based Sunny Valley Organics Inc. for PACA violations.
Sunny Valley Organics Inc. was cited for underreporting sales prices and failing to account truly and correctly to two growers in connection with 1,863 transactions, according to a USDA press release.
Consequently, Sunny Valley Organics Inc. can no longer operate in the produce industry until November 25, 2016, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license. The company’s principals, Hector M. Crisantes, Sunny M. Crisantes, and Miguel R. Cristantes, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until November 25, 2015, and then only with the 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.
