WASHINGTON, DC - The USDA issued sanctions against 5 produce businesses who have failed to pay reparation awards issued under the PACA.  These businesses and individuals are currently barred from doing business in the produce industry.

Miami, Florida based Marco Produce Inc which failed to pay a $69,292 award in favor of a Georgia seller. Marco A. Carmenatis was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business at the time of the reparation order.

McAllen, Texas based Cross Country International LLC which failed to pay a $7,279 award in favor of a California seller. Jaime De La Paz and Gustavo Felix J. Ramirez were listed as members CCI at the time of the order's issuance.

Still Water, Oklahoma based Pioneer Produce LLC which failed to pay a $13,544 award in favor of an Oklahoma seller. Larry D. Stafford Jr. and Larry D. Stafford Sr. were listed as business members at the time of the order's issuance.

Lakewood, Washington based Pal-Do World Inc. which failed to pay a $28,957 award in favor of a California seller. Young S. Park and Byung C. Park were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business at the time of the order's issuance.

Vero Beach, Florida based Sunny Fresh Citrus which failed to pay a $29,404 award in favor of a Florida seller. Robert K. Robert Marinaro was listed as the sole proprietor of the business at the time of the order's issuance.

PACA provides a forum for settling disputes concerning produce transactions and issues reparation orders for those who are found to not be meeting their contractual obligations. Sanctions or a suspension of their PACA license by the USDA is the consequence for those who fail to pay these reparation orders. Restrictions may also be imposed against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued.

In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims under the PACA involving more than $87 million.

USDA