WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has cited Pros Ranch Markets CA LLC, of Phoenix, Ariz., for failure to pay for $1,252,222 to 17 sellers for 286 lots of produce.

The USDA and Pros Ranch Markets CA LLC entered into a consent decision barring the company from operating in the produce industry until May 1, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.

The company’s principals, Jeffrey C. Provenzano, Richard S. Provenzano, Steven R. Provenzano, Michael A. Provenzano III, Michael A. Provenzano Jr., and Pros Ranch Markets CA Holding Inc., may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 1, 2016 also, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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 principles 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. USDA experts have also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.

Agricultural Marketing Service