The U.S. Department of Labor has reached an agreement with a southern Utah pecan grower following media reports of possible child labor violations.
Southern Utah Pecan Ranch, LLC is incorporated in Nevada and maintains a pecan grove near Hurricane, Utah. The Department of Labor began investigating a contractor hired by the growers, paragon contractor corporation of Hildale, Utah after several media reports alleged the use of underage laborers.
The grower has agreed to take steps to prevent any future violations.
The agreement calls for southern Utah pecan ranch to pay any civil penalties, back wages and/or liquidated damages assessed by the department as a result of the ongoing investigation of paragon.
The agreement also requires the grower to include language in future contracts that requires its contractors to comply with federal and state labor laws.