WASHINGTON, DC - The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against Cruisin’ On Inc. as part of its efforts to enforce the PACA and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry. The Florida-based company allegedly failed to pay $1,194,886 to five produce sellers from May 2016 through September 2017.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Cruisin’ On Inc., doing business as The Produce Network and Diamond Produce Wholesalers & Packers Inc., will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should the USDA find that the companies committed repeated and flagrant violations, they would be barred from the produce industry as licensees for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, their 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 a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to the PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please click the link here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service