WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it has imposed sanctions on Old West Export, operating out of Visalia, California, for its violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the business and its principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or activities without USDA approval.

Direct From USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Old West Export failed to pay $1,059,875 to five sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2018 to November 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. Old West Export Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until January 14, 2023, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Dave Muse and Frances Murillo, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until January 14, 2022, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as 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.

For more information, and to read the press release in its entirety, click here.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service