November 5 , 2007

ISSUE 1191

USDA PROPOSES INCREASE IN PACA COMPLAINT FEES

USDA has proposed amending the Rules of Practice under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) to increase its informal complaint filing fee from $60 to $100 and the formal complaint fee from $300 to $500.

The proposed rule, published in the Nov. 1 Federal Register, noted that the increase was needed because the PACA program’s annual expenses exceed revenue by $3 million, which is projected to increase each year by another 3 percent to 5 percent. Its operating budget is about $10 million.

USDA is seeking comments, which will be considered before a final rule is issued. Written comments must be received by Dec. 31.

Send written comments to PACA Complaint Fee Comments, AMS, F&V Programs, PACA Branch, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2095-S, Washington, D.C., 20251-0242. You also may fax comments to (202) 690-4413 or e-mail them to Dexter.Thomas@usda.govDexter.Thomas@usda.gov.