FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2001
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Producers-Is Your Broker/Handler Properly Licensed?
COLUMBIA---As the spring season for fresh South Carolina fruits and vegetables begins, Martin Eubanks, Senior Marketing specialist with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, reminds producers and growers that anyone acting as a broker or handler on their behalf must be properly licensed to operate in the Palmetto State. A Dealers and Handlers License is required for anyone who acts as a broker or handler of fruits and vegetables in South Carolina.
Producers and growers should ask questions of anyone who handles sales for them. If a handler pays by check, he must be bonded through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. If he pays by cash, he must have a Cash Affidavit on file with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. These requirements are in place to protect producers in the event of non-payment for their goods and growers are encouraged to ask their broker if they meet these requirements.
"It is important for producers and growers to deal with properly licensed and bonded individuals or firms for their protection," said Louie Conder, Warehouse and Dealer Licensing Program Coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture." Don't wait until after the fact to properly check on anyone that you are doing business with this spring and summer," he says.
Producers who would like to check the status of their broker and/or handler, and individuals acting as brokers and/or handlers who need the appropriate paperwork to meet the requirements of the law should contact Louie Conder at (803) 737-9696 or send him a message at <lconder@scda.state.sc.us>.
For more information about produce and other South Carolina Quality products, call Martin Eubanks at 803-734-2221 or send him a message at <meubanks@scda.state.sc.us>.