Distances between buyers and sellers of fresh fruits and vegetables is a continuing reality for the firms engaged in the global produce marketplace. Within Canada, there is relative ease with which people are able to enter, or be sustained within, the produce industry. The marketplace is adversely affected by the lack of adequate regulatory authority and enforcement of existing federal licensing regulations and responsibilities. This has exacerbated slow-pay and no-pay conditions.
The Fresh Produce Alliance (FPA) was formed in 2004 as a joint initiative of the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC), the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) in response to this problem.
Unless specifically exempted, Canadian firms engaged in the import or interprovincial movement of fresh fruits and vegetables are required to be a member of the DRC, or hold a license with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). A check with either of these bodies prior to engaging in a commercial transaction is prudent. The DRC offers more protection for those parties who are members for disputes that are solely contractual payment issues (e.g. slow pay no pay).
For more information, please visit one of the following
Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC)
Or
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)