Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Richard Vega of Florida for unlawful affiliation with United Fruit and Vegetables Inc./LLC, a violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
Richard Vega failed to comply with PACA employment sanctions, which began on Aug. 21, 2009, for his involvement in PACA violations connected with Miami Best Tropical Enterprise Inc. During his sanction period, Richard Vega was employed by United Fruit and Vegetables Inc./LLC. Accordingly, Richard Vega has consented to an additional year of employment sanctions pursuant to Section 8(b) of the PACA.
As a result, Richard Vega may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee during the suspension period from Dec. 9, 2011, through Dec. 9, 2012. After this period, he may again be employed with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
Under PACA provisions, those individuals held responsibly connected to PACA violations including sole proprietors, partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce companies operating subject to the PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. The USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a company’s license for violations of the PACA. All oversight of actions related to the PACA are conducted by the AMS, an agency within the USDA.
In fiscal year 2011, USDA resolved approximately 2,000 claims filed under the PACA involving $31 million in their continued efforts to serve and protect the fruit and vegetable industry from unlawful trade practices.
For further information, contact Phyllis Hall, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873, by fax at (202) 720-8868, or by email atInvestigativeEnforcement@ams.usda.gov.
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