WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that is has imposed sanctions against Oak Hall, Virginia-based company Benny F. Hall & Sons LLC for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) after failing to pay $503,744 to eight produce sellers. The sanctions include barring the business and the principal operation from engaging in PACA-licensed business or activities without USDA approval.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

BHS failed to pay $503,744 to eight sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from July 2016 to August 2017. This is in violation of the PACA. BHS cannot operate in the produce industry until October 7, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Benny Hall, Sr., may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until October 7, 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.

To learn more, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service