USDA files action for $300K PACA violation
USDA files action for $300K PACA violation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Solstice Growers LLC. The company, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to nine produce sellers in the amount of $308,849 from December 2023 through February 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Solstice Growers LLC will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, the company would be barred from operating as a licensee in the produce industry for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
Furthermore, Solstice's principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.