WASHINGTON, DC - As part of its continual efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Texas-based Martinez Fresh Produce LLC.
The company allegedly failed to make payments to eight produce sellers, amounting in a total of $155,508 owed from April of 2017 through March 2019.
Direct From the USDA Marketing Service:
Martinez Fresh Produce LLC will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The PACA Division, which is a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to the PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For more information, and to read the press release in its entirety, click here.
