WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that Jimmy W. Hutton is not responsibly connected to Cal Tex Produce, located in Dallas, Texas.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Cal Tex Produce L.P. violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay a reparation award in the amount of $8,030 in February 2020. As a result, USDA imposed sanctions on the business, including requiring that all principals may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

USDA made an initial determination that Jimmy W. Hutton was responsibly connected to Cal Tex Produce L.P. and subject to sanction. Jimmy W. Hutton contested this initial determination and USDA has now determined that Jimmy W. Hutton was not responsibly connected to Cal Tex Produce L.P. at the time of the violation.

As a result, Jimmy W. Hutton may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

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 the PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, 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 more information, and to read the press release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service