WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

According to a press release from the USDA, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Super Berry Man Inc., doing business as Villegas Produce out of Los Angeles, CA, for failing to pay a $33,539 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Roberto Villegas was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
• G & D Enterprises of Weldon LLC, operating out of Weldon, NC, for failing to pay an $8,355 award in favor of a Georgia seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, James D. McCully and Gwendolyn M. McCully were listed as members of the business.
• LRCSL LLC, operating out of Greenville, TX, for failing to pay a $40,475 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Lance L. Logan was listed as a member of the business.

The USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those Principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. 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.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. Our experts also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million.  These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

Agricultural Marketing Service