The U.S. Department of Agriculture has restricted three produce businesses in Georgia and Tennessee from the industry for failure to pay reparation awards under Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
The following business and individuals have been barred from the industry:
Gainesville, Ga-based Browns Farmers Mkt. Inc. failed to pay a $19,840 award in favor of a South Carolina seller and was consequently barred. Douglas F. Brown, Douglas R. Williamson, and Dennis E. Williamson were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
Atlanta, Ga-based Fiesta Farmers Market Inc was restricted for failure to pay a $37,804 award in favor of a Florida seller. Peter Ro was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
Downers Grove, Il-based Fresh Garden Produce Inc. was barred for failure to pay a $32,508 award in favor of a Florida seller. Eva A. Dominguez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on a business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the penalized business.
