WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has imposed sanctions on JLD Inc., doing business as North Country Wholesale (JLD), in North Conway, New Hampshire, for its violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the business and its principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or activities without USDA approval.

Direct From USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

JLD failed to pay $260,260 to 18 sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate commerce from April 2018 to January 2019. This is in violation of the PACA. JLD cannot operate in the produce industry until December 18, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Suren Donabedian, Jr., Lisa Donabedian, and Margaret Donabedian may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until December 18, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, and to read the press release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service