Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has determined that Michael King was responsibly connected with Riverwood Produce Sales Inc., operating in Hendersonville, N.C., which had been cited in the June 19, 2009, press release for failure 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.
USDA received documentation from Michael King, which failed to prove that he was not a responsibly connected individual with Riverwood Produce Sales Inc. at the time the reparation order became final.
As a result of the final determination of his responsibly connected status on Jan. 21, 2010, Michael King 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, Michael King may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, unless the employing company posts a USDA-approved surety bond. After two years, orJan. 21, 2012, he is eligible to be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approved surety bond.
Follow us on Twitter to receive the latest press releases, stories, and important updates about the Agricultural Marketing Service at: http://twitter.com/USDA_AMS_NEWS.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).