Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has determined that Herman Rivas was responsibly connected with C. H. Rivas LLC, operating in Rio Rico, Ariz. C. H. Rivas LLC failed to pay a reparation award, which is a violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
A responsibly connected person is defined under the PACA as a partner in a partnership, or an officer, director, or more than 10 percent stockholder of a corporation or association. When a company has had its PACA license suspended or revoked, or has been found to have committed violations, the responsibly connected individuals are automatically subject to employment and licensing restrictions in the fruit and vegetable industry.
As a result of the final determination of his responsibly connected status, Herman Rivas cannot be licensed in the produce industry until Jan. 21, 2012, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In addition, Herman Rivas may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, unless, the employing company posts a USDA-approved surety bond. After two years, or Jan. 21, 2012, he is eligible to be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approved surety bond.
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