USDA Holds Cathy G. Poppell Responsibly Connected to Poppell’s Produce Inc. for PACA Violations
WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has found Cathy G. Poppell responsibly connected to Wayne County, Georgia-based Poppell’s Produce Inc. Poppell’s Produce allegedly failed to pay 18 of 20 sellers in the total amount of $304,614. This is a violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, Cathy G. Poppell, without admitting her responsible connection to Poppell Produce Inc., consented to a finding that she was responsibly connected to Poppell Produce Inc. when it violated the PACA. As a result, Cathy G. Poppell may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 23, 2018, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. In addition, Ms. Poppell cannot be licensed in the produce industry until May 23, 2019, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
