Conagra Settles For $8.3 Million

Sat., June 21, 1997

Compiled From Wire Services

Food giant ConAgra agreed Friday to pay $8.3 million in fines and restitution for its role in a grain fraud scheme that cost farmers and commercial buyers millions of dollars.

Under a plea agreement accepted by a federal judge, the company will pay $6.14 million in fines and investigation costs.

The Omaha, Neb., company also agreed to pay $1.47 million in restitution to Kentucky soybean growers. It already has delivered $535,0000 in restitution to Indiana farmers. It also will pay $150,000 for costs associated with improper storage of grain.

Federal prosecutors say ConAgra defrauded farmers by improperly grading their grain and cheated commercial buyers by adding water to the grain. They alleged the practice began in 1989.

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Conagra Settles For $8.3 Million

Jesse Tinsley

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