AMS No. 195-12

Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998

Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has found Marta A. Diaz Chidid responsibly connected to Puerto Nuevo Cold Storage Inc. in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Nuevo Cold Storage Inc. failed to pay $123,000 reparation order in favor of a Florida seller. Pursuant to this order, Marta A. Diaz Chidid and Leonel L. Diaz Jr. challenged their initial responsibly connected determination. As a result, Marta A. Diaz Chidid may not be employed by or affiliated with any Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) licensee until July 31, 2013, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Leonel L. Diaz Jr. was found not responsibly connected.

Under PACA provisions, those individuals held responsibly connected to PACA violations including sole proprietors, partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce companies operating subject to the PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers, within the fruit and vegetable industry. The USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a company’s license for violations of the PACA. All oversight of actions related to the PACA are conducted by the AMS, an agency within the USDA.

In fiscal year 2011, USDA resolved approximately 2,000 claims filed under the PACA involving $31 million in their continued efforts to serve and protect the fruit and vegetable industry from unlawful trade practices.

For further information, contact Phyllis Hall, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873, by fax at (202) 720-8868, or by email at Investigative Enforcement Branch@ams.usda.gov.