WASHINGTON - The USDA has cited Bissett Produce Company Inc. for failure to remit net proceeds for produce.
While acting as a growers’ agent, the company had allegedly failed to remit to nine growers net proceeds totaling $1,637,414 for produce that it received, accepted, and sold on the growers’ behalf between September 2010 and June 2013, according to a USDA press release. As a result of these actions, USDA and Bissett Produce Company Inc. have entered into a consent decision barring the company from operating in the produce industry until March 31, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.
The company’s principals, Finley D. Bissett II and Ted L. Bissett II, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 31, 2016, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. The USDA 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.
