WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently revealed it has imposed sanctions on J & J Distributing Company for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include barring the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based business and its principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

J & J failed to pay $493,611 to 12 sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from June 2020 to April 2021. This is in violation of the PACA. J & J cannot operate in the produce industry until July 12, 2024, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Jason Jaynes and New Harvest Foods, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA license until July 12, 2023, 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 contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service