WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has cited Nogales, AZ-based Al Harrison Company Distributors for failure to pay for produce.
The company failed to pay $690,537 to 12 sellers for 104 lots of produce in a violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. As a result, Al Harrison Company Distributors can no longer operate in the produce industry until March 24, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.
The company’s principal, Brent Harrison, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 24, 2016, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Another company principal is currently challenging her responsibly connected status.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. USDA experts have 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 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.
