Farm practice complaints
If you can’t resolve a farm practices dispute informally, you can file a formal complaint with the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB). BCFIRB hears complaints under the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act (FPPA).
Complaints follow a formal process that may lead to a tribunal hearing.
The board can decide whether a farm’s activities are normal farm practices. It can:
- Order a farm business to change or stop a practice
- Help parties reach a settlement agreement
The board can also choose to reject or dismiss a complaint without a hearing.
How long the complaint process takes
The process usually takes 120 business days to hold a hearing (about 24 weeks) and 35 more business days for a decision, but timelines may be extended for longer or more complex cases.
Timelines are defined in the Farm Practices Protection Act Practice Directive (PDF, 367KB)
Who can file a complaint
To file a complaint with BCFIRB:
- You must be the aggrieved party. This means that you are directly affected by the issue
- The complaint must be legitimate. The complaint may be rejected if it is determined by the board to be trivial, personal or unreasonable
Multi-party complaints
If multiple people have the same issue, each person must file their own complaint and pay a separate filing fee. BCFIRB may group similar or related complaints together.
How to participate as an intervener
An intervener is a person or organization that isn’t already part of a case but has important information or a perspective that may help the board make a decision.
To become an intervener, you must apply in writing. The board (BCFIRB) will decide if you can be an intervener and how you can participate. For example, this could include:
- Making a written submission
- Testifying at a hearing
- Becoming a full party to the case (in some situations)
To apply for intervener status, review Rules of Practice and Procedure for Complaints (PDF, 389KB)
Reasons you can file a complaint
BCFIRB only reviews certain kinds of farm-related complaints. You can file a complaint if a farm business’s operations are directly disturbing you or affecting your quality of life.
BCFIRB does not handle complaints about environmental, health or other regulatory issues.
Tips to strengthen your complaint
People who are successful in complaints often:
- Connect impacts to farm practices – explain how the noise, smell, dust or other issue comes from a specific farm activity
- Keep clear records – use notes, photos, or logs to show when and how often the impacts occur
- Stay factual and measured – avoid exaggerating or overstating, which can weaken credibility
- Understand the legal test – focus on whether the farm activity is a “normal farm practice”, not just whether it feels unfair
- Bring expertise where needed – consider an expert if technical evidence (like water, noise, or soil testing) is important
Examples of farm disturbances
The disturbance must be caused by farm business’s operations. For example, disturbances may include:
Odour, dust and noise
- Strong odours from livestock or manure
- Dust from farm machinery or activities
- Noise from farm equipment or animals outside permitted hours
Chemical spray and runoff issues
- Spray drift from pesticide or herbicide use affecting your property
- Water runoff from irrigation or farm operations affecting your land
Trespass or damage
- Livestock trespassing and causing damage to your property
- Soil erosion or other damage caused by farming activities
Complaints must have legal standing
BCFIRB may dismiss complaints that are:
- Trivial, frivolous or vexatious
- Not made in good faith
- Based on personal disagreements or hostility
- Not within their authority to decide
How to file a complaint
Your complaint must follow BCFIRB’s Rules of Practice and Procedure for Complaints (PDF, 389KB), which outline the steps, deadlines and legal requirements.
Step 1. Write your complaint
Download and fill out the Notice of Complaint form:
You must make your complaint in writing, and include:
- The location of the farm
- A detailed statement of the problem
- Your contact details
- The respondent farm’s contact information
Step 2: Submit your complaint
Submit your completed complaint form to BCFIRB and send a copy to the farm. File your complaint form by:
- Email: firb@gov.bc.ca
- Mail: PO Box 9129 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria B.C. V8W 9B5
- Courier: 1st Floor, 2975 Jutland Rd, Victoria, B.C. V8T 5J9
Step 3: Pay the $100 filing fee
There is a non-refundable $100 filing fee for all complaints. BCFIRB must receive it within 2 business days of receiving your complaint. You can pay the filing fee:
- By mail: Send a cheque, money order or bank draft (payable to Minister of Finance)
- By phone: Call FrontCounter BC at 1-250-751-7220 to pay by credit card
- In person: Visit any FrontCounter BC location to pay by cash, debit, or credit card
FrontCounter BC only accepts payment, not your complaint form or documents. They will send a copy of your payment receipt to BCFIRB.
Step 4: Gather evidence
Keep records of conversations you had to try and resolve the issue. Gather evidence to show how the farm activity is affecting you or your property. Useful evidence could include:
- Photographs or video
- Witness statements
- Records of specific disturbances
After you submit your complaint
The complaints procedure is a formal process. It follows the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Complaints (PDF, 389KB).
Once BCFIRB receives and accepts your complaint, we will send both you and the farmer a letter to:
- Acknowledge receipt of the complaint
- Explain the complaints procedure and next steps
- Provide the farmer with a copy of the Notice of Complaint
At any point in the process, BCFIRB may ask you and the farmer to take part in a facilitated settlement. This allows you and the farmer to try to resolve all or part of the complaint without a formal hearing.
If you need help
If you have concerns or are unsure about any part of the process, contact BCFIRB. Staff can guide you.