USDA sanctions four PACA violators

Four produce companies have been sanctioned by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a news release:

• Anival Valle, doing business as California Valley Produce, Chula Vista, Calif., for failing to pay a $51,503 award in favor of an Arizona seller. Anival Valle was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
• James Bartley, doing business as Greenfield Produce Sales, Salinas, Calif., for failing to pay a $26,321 award in favor of a California seller. James Bartley was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
• Stay Fresh Distributors Inc., Brooksville, Fla., for failing to pay a $25,228 award in favor of a New Mexico seller. Jason Canals was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business. Stay Fresh was sanctioned in November for failing to pay an $8,636 award in favor of a Washington seller, but paid the debt in December.
• AP Royal Produce Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., for failing to pay a $47,937 award in favor of a Texas seller. Aleksandr Yakubov was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.