WASHINGTON, DC - According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Prometo Produce Corp. has satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $15,400 issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving unpaid produce transactions.

The McAllen, Texas, company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Vicente Diaz Moreno was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Market Service:

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed 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 business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

UNITED STATES - With the fervor surrounding Trader Joe’s, shoppers will be excited to hear about the grocer’s latest six-part expansion plan. Recently, the retailer announced new location openings slated for California, New Jersey, Washington, Nevada, and Texas.

The latest in this string of announcements is a new location in Middletown, New Jersey, which will open on April 25.

“We've consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in Middletown, NJ,” the company stated on its website. “Please join Captain Meghan and Crew for the Grand Opening Celebration!”

Other new locations include:

• Sandy Springs (South), GA
• Northridge, CA
• Sparks, NV
• Coppell, TX
• Vancouver (Salmon Creek), WA

While the opening dates for all the stores have not yet been revealed, the new Vancouver store is set to open on May 2.

As Trader Joe’s continues its nationwide growth, ANUK will report.

MIAMI, FL - Continental Fresh has long been clear in its purpose to bring clean water to communities in Latin America. The company invites fresh produce members to join the annual trek to provide families in the Dominican Republic with access to clean water and sanitation.

“Through a service trip at a young age, I had the opportunity to experience the joy of bringing clean water to a community that had been without,” says Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Albert Perez. “My immense sense of pride was quickly followed by a feeling of urgency—how can I continue to impact one community at a time when there are so many in need? This was an inflection point for me, so I built a business around my passion of delivering clean water to communities across Latin America.”

Through its Water For All branded box of mangos, the company can further support the funding of clean water and sanitation projects through its non-profit BLUE Missions.

“Water is the basic foundation of a community,” adds Perez. “Many young family members walk hours to collect it and oftentimes the water they find is not safe to drink. Without clean water, families are locked in cycles of poverty, sickness, and low education levels. By funding water projects in rural communities, we are taking a huge step in breaking the poverty trap while bringing empowerment, health, and opportunity to local communities.”


According to a press release, Continental Fresh has contributed more than $150K to support BLUE Missions over the past three years.

In November, hikers will traverse 27.6 miles of tropical and pine forests over three days to the summit of Pico Duarte, at 10,128 ft. above sea level. To date, BLUE Missions has connected 33,684 people to clean water and completed 229 clean water and sanitation projects across Latin America.

“We are hearing great interest in this year’s trek! I’m optimistic that we will double our support for BLUE Missions with funds raised—and matched—across the produce industry,” notes Perez.

Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the latest.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - Bringing over three decades of experience to the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC), Bob Lanter is joining the organization as its new President.

"I am thrilled to be part of the FPFC team and eager to delve into the world of the fresh produce and floral industry,” said Lanter, expressing his excitement. “I look forward to learning more about FPFC, its members, and contributing to the growth and success of the industry."

Prior to joining FPFC, Lanter served as the Executive Director of the California Workforce Association, where he led the workforce strategy and implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act for the state of California, a press release explained. His extensive experience includes holding various positions in local workforce investment systems, including Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Workforce Board.

During his tenure at the California Workforce Association, Lanter significantly increased organizational revenue and membership led the development of key legislation, and managed large-scale projects and grants. He is known for his expertise in designing and coordinating events and networking opportunities, spearheading some of the most successful events across the country in workforce development.

"We are delighted to welcome Bob Lanter as the new President of FPFC. His extensive experience and proven track record in organizational management and event coordination will be invaluable assets to our council,” commented Kristen Reid, Chair of FPFC and Executive Vice President of MIXTEC Group. “We believe his leadership will enable FPFC to evolve and thrive in the years to come."

Lanter officially assumes his role as President of FPFC, effective May 5, 2024. He will attend the upcoming FPFC Expo on May 1 to meet FPFC members.

Congratulations to Bob Lanter on his new role!