The U.S. Labor Department has assessed over $17,000 in civil money penalties against a Holtville grower.

Heritage Farms was found to provide substandard housing facilities, transported workers in unsafe vehicles and failed to pay required wages in full, all violations of the H-2 temporary agriculture workers program. According to the Labor Department, Heritage Farms did not meet the safety and health requirements; specifically, they found mattresses without bed frames on floors. Additionally., it was found that the employer permitted workers to be transported in unsafe vehicles with damaged tires and cracked windshields. Investigators also determined that Heritage failed to pay three drivers for time spent transporting workers to and from fields. In addition, investigators learned the employer charged workers for laundry costs, which are illegal deductions by law. Heritage Farms was assessed $17,791 in civil money penalties and $14,311 in unpaid wages for 42 employees.

Heritage Farms grows and sells spinach and spring mix in Imperial County and has additional operations in King City, Salinas, and in Nevada.