NCDA&CS investigating Newton grain dealer for failure to pay farmers for wheat

RALEIGH ? The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is investigating complaints that Midstate Mills Inc., of Newton, has failed to pay farmers for wheat delivered in recent months.

Midstate is a licensed grain dealer in North Carolina that purchases wheat and produces flour and other products.

?The department has received several complaints from wheat growers that Midstate Mills has failed to pay them for wheat they delivered to the mill in Newton,? said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. ?Under North Carolina?s Grain Dealer Licensing Law, a grain dealer must promptly pay for grain purchased from growers. Our main concern is to see that farmers are paid for their wheat.?

If the department determines that Midstate has violated the law, it could revoke the company?s grain dealer license, and Midstate would be prohibited from doing business as a grain dealer in North Carolina.

Until this matter is resolved, the department is encouraging farmers who deliver grain to Midstate to take appropriate steps to ensure prompt payment, such as requiring payment at the time of delivery.

Farmers who wish to file a complaint regarding nonpayment for grain should contact the department at 919-707-3041, or send a written complaint to N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1001.