WASHINGTON - The USDA has restricted the operations of Pros Ranch Markets CA LLC, an Arizona-based organization for PACA violations.
Pros Ranch Markets CA LLC was cited for having allegedly failed to make payment to 17 produce sellers in the amount of $1,252,222 from December of 2012 through June of 2013, according to a USDA press release.
Consequently, the company can no longer operate in the produce industry until February 26, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license. Pros Ranch Markets CA LLC will have an opportunity to request a hearing but, should the USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year 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.
