USDA cites Al Harrison Co. Distributors for PACA violations
USDA cites Al Harrison Co. Distributors for PACA violations
Al Harrison Co. Distributors, based in Nogales, AZ, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failure to pay for nearly $700,000 worth of produce, but its principal said he plans to return to the industry once the legal matters are satisfied.
According to an April 9 statement from the USDA, the firm failed to pay $690,537 to 12 sellers for 104 lots of produce, in violation of PACA law.
“As a result of these actions, Al Harrison Company Distributors cannot operate in the produce industry until March 24, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license,” according to the statement. “The company’s principal, Brent Harrison, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 24, 2016, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Another company principal is currently challenging her responsibly connected status.”
Brent Harrison, company principal, told The Produce News in an April 10 written statement, “Due to circumstance beyond our control, it is painful to see my grandfather’s business go through the USDA decision. The company has been in business for 55 years and we simply had some bad seasons that put us in this position. It is my intention to work through this process and build my family’s legacy again. I have always and will continue to support our industry and advocate for its success. It is my intention to return to the industry once my obligations are satisfied.”