The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Aggrigator Inc. (Amor Organics) for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to seven produce sellers for $264,268 from October 2022 through August 2023.
USDA has also filed an administrative complaint against Atlantic Frozen Foods LLC for alleged violations of PACA. The company, operating from Pennsylvania, allegedly failed to promptly pay six produce sellers for $1,176,084 from December 2021 through May 2023.
Both companies will have an opportunity to request a hearing.
USDA has also imposed sanctions on GoGreen Farms Inc., Suffolk, Va., for violating PACA. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.
GoGreen Farms Inc. failed to pay $313,036 to three sellers for produce purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2021 to April 2022. This violates the PACA. It cannot operate in the produce industry until March 14, 20026.
The company's principal, Breon Clemons, may not be employed by/ affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 14, 2025.
USDA has also imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under PACA. These sanctions include suspending the businesses' PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.
They are:
- West Central Produce Inc. (Norwalk, California) for failing to pay a $117,277 award in favor of a California seller. Jamie Purcell and Michael P. Dodo were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
- Elirey Group Inc., doing business as Hank's Farmer Market (Jurupa Valley, California), for failing to pay a $22,137 award in favor of a California seller. Elizabeth Reynoso and Manuel I. Reynoso were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
- Peak Seasons Produce LLC (Miami Lakes, Florida) for failing to pay a $113,834 award in favor of an Oregon seller. Justin Daye was listed as the manager of the business.
- Avonature LLC (Houston, Texas) for failing to pay a $29,003 award in favor of a Texas seller. Cecilia Rodriguez Palomo and Fernando Ochoa Rodriguez were listed as members and managers of the business.
Click here for an overview of companies that previously violated PACA.
For more information:
Penny Robinson-Landrigan (sanctions)
USDA
Tel.: +1 (202) 720-2890
[email protected]
www.ams.usda.gov
Corey Elliott (administrative complaint)
USDA
Tel.: +1 (202) 720-6873
[email protected]
www.ams.usda.gov