WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under PACA.
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Dallas, TX-based JD Rodriguez Produce Inc., for failing to pay a $15,895 award in favor of a Colorado seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Johnny D. Rodriguez, Valerie J. Rodriguez, and Esmeralda G. Rodriguez were listed as the Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
- Boise, ID-based B. Sayers Inc., for failing to pay a $31,367 award in favor of an Oregon seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Tina Shorthouse was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. All oversight of actions related to PACA are conducted by AMS, an agency within USDA.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. USDA experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
