USDA reaches decision on $457K PACA violation
USDA reaches decision on $457K PACA violation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Roberson Onion Corp. of Hazlehurst, GA, entered into a Consent Decision and Order finding that Roberson Produce committed repeated and flagrant PACA violations by failing to pay $457,171.80 to multiple produce sellers. The Consent Decision and Order took effect Aug. 15.
Earlier this year the USDA alleged that Roberson Produce failed to make full payment promptly in the total amount of $889,309.48, to 12 sellers for multiple lots of produce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Steve Roberson, the company’s sole shareholder and principal, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Aug. 15, 2026, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Mr. Roberson is also ineligible to be licensed under PACA until Aug. 15, 2027, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish a finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant PACA violations, and 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.