USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has announced a final rule published in the May 30 Federal Register that fees for filing complaints under the Perishable Agriculture Commodity Act will increase June 30.
The fee for filing an informal complaint will increase from $60 to $100 and formal complaint fees will change from $300 to $500.
AMS says fees have remained unchanged since 1995 because of a one-time congressional appropriation, but annual expenses now exceed revenue by $3 million, with additional increases expected.
PACA was created to protect growers, shippers, distributors and retailers dealing in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables by prohibiting unfair and fraudulent trade practices. For additional information, contact John Koller, director, Dispute Resolution Section, at (202) 720-1442.
