USDA Restricts PACA Violator Osteen Marketing LLC from Operating in the Produce Industry
The USDA has cited Osteen Marketing LLC, a Waupun, Wisconsin-based company, for failure to pay for produce.
The company failed to pay $447,519 to six sellers for 45 lots of produce. Consequently, Osteen Marketing has been barred from operating in the produce industry until February 19, 2016, at which time it may apply for a PACA license, according to a press release. The company’s sole principal, William P. Osteen, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until February 19, 2015, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond before being employed by or affiliated with a PACA licensee.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, and 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
