USDA Cites Write On Marketing Inc. in California for PACA Violations
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Write On Marketing as part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The Los Angeles, California-based company allegedly failed to meet its contractual obligations to the sellers of produce it purchased, resulting in it being barred from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without the approval from the USDA.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
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.
Write On Marketing Inc., failed to pay $619,195 to nine sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from August 2017 to July 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Write On Marketing Inc., cannot operate in the produce industry until Jan. 9, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by the USDA.
The company’s principals, Arnulfo Diaz, Jose Salazar Jr., and Rudy Gomez Bravo, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Jan. 9, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
The 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.
The PACA Division, which is a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please click the link here.
