The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) was enacted at the request of the fruit and vegetable industry to promote fair trade in the industry. The PACA protects businesses dealing in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables by establishing and enforcing a code of fair business practices and by helping companies resolve business disputes.

The PACA Branch is responsible for administering the PACA and offers many services to the industry. PACA Branch experts receive hundreds of telephone calls each week from companies requesting assistance on problems unique to the industry such as interpretation of inspection certificates, advice on contract disputes, and bankruptcy payments.

The PACA Search Engine is an online tool that allows the public to determine if a business is licensed under the PACA, users can also see companies trade name(s), branch location(s), principal(s), and other related license information.