Resolve a regulated marketing concern

Before filing an appeal with the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB), you may be able to resolve a dispute informally.

Resolving a dispute informally

If you believe a regulated marketing board or commission’s decision was unfair or incorrect, you may want to appeal. However, informal resolution can often be faster, cheaper and less confrontational. Options include:

Direct discussion with the regulated marketing board or commission
Mediation (if offered by the board or commission)
Facilitated settlement through BCFIRB

If informal resolution works, you will not need to proceed with a formal appeal.

Benefits of informal resolution

Compared to a formal appeal, informal resolution can:

Save time and legal costs
Reduce stress and paperwork
Preserve business relationships
Lead to faster and more flexible solutions

It may be a good option if:

The board or commission misinterpreted a rule or overlooked important facts
You want to them to clarify or reconsider before escalating the issue
You’re open to compromise and collaborative problem-solving

Steps to resolve a dispute informally

30-day appeal deadline does not pause

You must file an appeal within 30 calendar days of a board or commission’s final decision. Otherwise, you may lose your right to appeal, even if mediation or settlement efforts are ongoing.

Step 1. Contact the board or commission

Start by discussing the issue directly with the regulated marketing board or commission. Many disputes result from miscommunication or incomplete information.

What you can do:

Request a written explanation of the decision
Ask if the board or commission has an internal review or reconsideration process
Provide new information that may change the decision
Request a meeting to explore possible solutions

Step 2. Request mediation

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party helps the parties find common ground and explore possible solutions. Some regulated marketing boards and commissions may offer mediation as part of their process.

How to request mediation:

Check if mediation is required before an appeal
Submit a written request to the regulated marketing board or commission explaining the issue
Work with the board or commission to select a neutral mediator
Participate in discussions to negotiate a solution

If the 30-day deadline is approaching and your dispute is still unresolved or ongoing, you should file an appeal to protect your right to a review. You can withdraw the appeal later if the dispute is resolved through mediation or facilitated settlement.

Step 3. Apply for facilitated settlement through BCFIRB

If mediation does not resolve the dispute, you can request a facilitated settlement through BCFIRB after filing the appeal.

BCFIRB offers facilitated settlement as an alternative to a formal appeal hearing. This process is confidential. A neutral facilitator helps clarify the issues and encourages resolution. The facilitator is often a BCFIRB board or staff member, or designated representative.

How to apply for facilitated settlement:

Submit a written request that includes:
- Your name, business, and contact information
- The decision you are disputing
- A summary of previous resolution attempts
- The outcome you are seeking
Send your request to BCFIRB:
- E-mail: firb@gov.bc.ca
- Mail: PO Box 9129 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9B5
BCFIRB will review your request and determine if facilitated settlement is appropriate

How BCFIRB can support alternative resolution

BCFIRB can:

Help facilitate discussions between you and the regulated marketing board or commission
Encourage the board or commission to clarify or reconsider its decision
Provide neutral guidance on resolution options

BCFIRB cannot:

Change or overturn a board or commission’s decision outside the formal appeal process
Act as a legal representative or advocate for either party
Guarantee a settlement or outcome