Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against North Pacific Canners and Packers Inc., doing business as NORPAC Foods Inc. (NORPAC) for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from Oregon, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 145 produce sellers and creditors in the amount of $19,128,784 from June 2019 through January 2020.
NORPAC 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, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.
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