Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Champion Produce Inc., operating in Manahawkin, N.J., and Senor Express LLC, operating in Sioux City, Iowa, have settled the reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
Champion Produce Inc.’s sole officer, director, and stockholder, Raymond J. Maragni Jr., may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Senor Express LLC may again operate in the produce industry. The business’ sole officer, director, and stockholder, Jeffrey B. Cutler, may also be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides for damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Interstate traders operating as commission merchants, dealers or brokers, and conducting a sufficient volume of business must be USDA-licensed.
PACA requires USDA to suspend the license of a business that fails to pay reparations awarded against it.
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