USDA Holds George Finch and John D. Honeycutt Responsibly Connected to Third Coast Produce Company Ltd. in Texas for PACA Violations

USDA/AMS Press Release:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2015 – The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that George Finch and John D. Honeycutt were responsibly connected with Third Coast Produce Company Ltd., Houston, Texas, when the company committed repeated and flagrant violations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

George Finch and John D. Honeycutt appealed their responsibly connected status to the USDA Judicial Officer and the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, both of which upheld USDA’s determination.

As a result, George Finch and John D. Honeycutt may not be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Oct. 2, 2016, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

In addition, George Finch and John D. Honeycutt cannot be licensed in the produce industry until Oct. 2, 2017, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce companies operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a company’s license for violations of PACA. All oversight of actions related to PACA are conducted by AMS, an agency within USDA.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. Our experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million. These are just two examples of how the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For further information, contact Josephine E. Jenkins, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873, by fax at (202) 720-8868, or by email at InvestigativeEnforcement@ams.usda.gov.

Contact Info: Nadine Wilkins, nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov, 202-720-1103

Release No.: 137-15