During the farm practices complaint process, the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB) may ask a Knowledgeable Person (KP) to provide expert analysis. Each party to a complaint can also get their own expert opinions.
Who Knowledgeable Persons are
A Knowledgeable Person (KP) is a neutral expert, such as an agrologist or an industry specialist. BCFIRB uses Knowledgeable Persons to provide technical expertise during the complaint process.
Their analysis and recommendations help the panel:
- Understand the specific issue(s) raised in a complaint
- Assess whether the farm is following normal farm practices
- Decide how to resolve the issue
Knowledgeable Persons can come from various backgrounds. They might be:
- Industry peers
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff
- Independent consultants
How BCFIRB appoints a Knowledgeable Person
BCFIRB selects Knowledgeable Persons with technical knowledge related to the specific complaint.
- The decision to engage a Knowledgeable Person is at BCFIRB’s discretion
- Either party to a complaint can also ask BCFIRB to engage a KP
- There is no cost to either party to the complaint
BCFIRB will give the Knowledgeable Person:
- A copy of the Notice of Complaint
- Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide their work
- A copy of the Case Management Call report
The role of Knowledgeable Persons
The KP and BCFIRB staff will usually visit the farm to inspect operations. This helps them assess the issue in context. They will speak with both parties to gather more information.
The Knowledgeable Person will prepare a written report that:
- Summarises the key issues in the complaint
- Provides analysis based on their site visit
- Makes recommendations based on industry standards
BCFIRB will use the report to help with settlement discussions. If a complaint goes to a formal hearing, the report is submitted as evidence. The KP may also give evidence and answer questions at the hearing.
To learn more about their role and responsibilities, read the Guide for Knowledgeable Persons (PDF, 230KB)
Hiring your own expert
Either party can hire their own technical expert to support their case. If you hire an expert, you are responsible for:
- Submitting the expert’s assessment on time
- Paying any associated costs
At the hearing, the BCFIRB panel will decide whether to accept the witness as an expert. BCFIRB may also require them to testify and answer questions.
Submitting an expert assessment report
If you hire an expert, you must send their report to BCFIRB and the other party at least 30 calendar days before a hearing.
The report must include:
- An explanation of the expert’s qualifications, credentials and experience
- Their opinion on the issue they assessed
- A summary of the facts and assumptions on which they based their opinion
Rule 12 in the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Complaints (PDF, 389KB) explains how expert evidence must be submitted.
If you need help
If you have any concerns or are unsure about any part of the process, BCFIRB staff can guide you.