WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently revealed that it has imposed sanctions on G & K Citrus for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include barring the Miami, Florida- based business and its principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The recent sanctions come after G & K Citrus allegedly failed to pay four sellers in the amount of $265,700 for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from October 2018 to June 2020. Now, the company cannot operate in the produce industry until May 19, 2024, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The company’s principals, Gary Thompson and Karen Thompson, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 19, 2023, 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 contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service