Release No.: 026-20
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that Jeff Pfaff was not responsibly connected to Farm Fresh Packers LLC, Pompano Beach, Fla.
Farm Fresh Packers, LLC violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay two reparation awards totaling $304,102 in August 2019. As a result, USDA imposed sanctions on the business, including requiring that all principals may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
USDA made an initial determination that Jeff Pfaff was responsibly connected to Fresh Packers LLC and subject to sanction. Jeff Pfaff disputed the initial determination and USDA has now determined that he was not responsibly connected to Fresh Packers LLC at the time of the violation.
As a result, Jeff Pfaff may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
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, contact Travis M. Hubbs, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873, or by email at PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.
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