WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against California-based Berry People for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 19 produce sellers in the amount of $3,519,748 from December 2022 through August 2023.

Berry People will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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