Learn about the laws and rules that guide the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB) and the regulated marketing boards and commissions it oversees.
General legislation governing BCFIRB
Legislation
The laws that set out BCFIRB’s duties, functions and authority include:
Regulation
These regulations provide the legal framework for how the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB) operates. They are based on legislation that gives BCFIRB its authority:
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation
- FPPA British Columbia Farm Industry Review Board Regulation
- FPPA Specialty Farm Operations Regulation
- NPMA Regulations
BCFIRB’s decisions and business practices are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
Judicial reviews
BCFIRB decisions may be challenged through a Supreme Court BC judicial review.
Legislation for regulated marketing
In B.C., many farm products are regulated through marketing boards or commissions. They are established under the Natural Products Marketing (BC) Act. These boards and commissions operate under a mix of provincial and federal laws that work together to manage how certain farm products are produced, marketed and priced.
Supply-managed commodity legislation
These products are part of Canada’s supply management system. This system controls how much farmers can produce, sets fair prices, and limits imports to keep supply and demand balanced.
Non-supply-managed commodity legislation
These products are still regulated, but farmers can usually grow and sell as much as they want. Prices are set by the market, not by national agreements.