AMS Announces New Features to Assist Businesses on PACA Web Page

AMS No. 045-10

Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998Jimmie.Turner@ams.usda.govBilly Cox (202) 720-8998Billy.cox@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2010 – Growers, buyers and sellers of produce now have more tools to assist them in doing business due to new features on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Web site. Links to the two features, “Sample PACA Reparation Cases by Subject Matter” and “PACA Commodities List,” can be found on the PACA website at www.ams.usda.gov/paca.

Businesses can use “PACA Reparation Cases by Subject Matter” to get an idea of how PACA cases have been settled in the past. They will find examples of cases involving such things as abandonment, acts of God, Breach of Contract and others.

The “PACA Commodities List” is a compilation of fruits and vegetables that are commonly bought and sold in the United States. Businesses can reference this list to determine if the products they produce, sell and/or buy are covered under the PACA.

Both additions are intended as a public service to enhance the knowledge of the industry regarding fair trade practices. These links on the PACA Web site will complement the educational tools and resources already available to the public, such as the Internet Training Program, “PACA Search” feature for license information, PACA Top Ten Contract Issues, and Industry Trade Terms.

For more information, please visit www.ams.usda.gov/paca.

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