AMS NEWS RELEASE
AMS No. 124-04
Nadine Wilkins (202) 720-8998
Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
USDA FILES ACTION AGAINST JOE GENOVA & ASSOCIATES INC., ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2004 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative action against Joe Genova & Associates Inc., operating in Anaheim, Calif. The action alleges that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
In the action, it is alleged that the company failed to pay nine sellers $315,807.86 for
perishable agricultural commodities purchased in interstate commerce during the period of
February 2002 through November 2002.
The company will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the
company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it could be barred from the produce
industry for two years. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with
any PACA licensee for one year and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety
bond.
The PACA establishes a code of good business conduct for the produce industry. Under
it, all interstate traders in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables must be licensed by USDA.
USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a trader's license for violating the act.
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