WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has lifted restrictions against Alejandro Alarcon Vega, doing business as Alex Produce, for satisfiying a reparation order issued under PACA.
The Birmingham, AL company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Alejandro Alarcon Vega was listed as the sole proprietor of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
As we’ve previously reported, Alex Produce was restricted for failing to pay a $4,582 award in favor of a Georgia seller.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. The USDA also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed 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.
