The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited nine produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These businesses have been barred from operating in the produce industry until their awards are paid. The businesses were served complaints by USDA and were given the opportunity to respond. USDA subsequently ordered payment of the amounts mentioned below.

The businesses are:

— Gold Mulae Distributors Inc., Lakewood, Calif., for failing to pay a $13,145 award in favor of an Arizona seller. The sole officer, director and stockholder is Francisco J. Dominguez.

— Suntrack Corp., also trading as Suntrack Packing Inc., Visalia, Calif., for failing to pay a $30,840 award in favor of a California seller. The sole officer, director and stockholder is Hogan Lee.

— Martinez Farms Organic Inc., Watsonville, Calif., for failing to pay a $1,692 award in favor of a British Columbia seller. The officers, directors and major stockholders are Estebon Martinez, Veronica Martinez, Erick Martinez, Victoriano Martinez and Garbiel Martinez.

— Classic Touch Produce Inc., Miami, for failing to pay a $22,128 award in favor of a Michigan seller. The sole officer, director and stockholder is Antonio E. Mendoza.

— Palm Coast Produce Co., operating in Delray Beach, Fla., for failing to pay a $97,782 award in favor of a Florida seller. The sole proprietor is Daniel A. Battaglia.

— J & K Tropicals Inc., Miami, for failing to pay a $15,021 award in favor of a Texas seller. The sole officer, director and stockholder is Katrina M. Fernandez.

— S & M Produce Inc., Chicago, for failing to pay a $12,008 award in favor of a Florida seller. The officers, directors and major stockholders are Donald J. Mided and Lance K. Mided.

— Integrated Marketing Systems, Minneapolis, for failing to pay a $2,684 award in favor of a Minnesota seller. The sole officer, director and stockholder is Brent M. Johanson.

— Wendt Potato Co., Deerbrook, Wis., for failing to pay an $18,758 award in favor of a Wisconsin seller. The sole proprietor is Gerald J. Wendt.

E-mail Tom Burfield