Regulated sectors
The regulated marketing system applies to eight agricultural commodities in B.C. It sets rules for how these commodities are produced, processed, and sold.
Five regulated commodities are supply-managed. Supply management involves additional controls over production levels, pricing, and imports. It is jointly administered by federal and provincial bodies.
Supply-managed products
- Broiler hatching eggs
- Chicken
- Milk
- Table eggs
- Turkey
Non-supply-managed products
- Cranberries
- Hogs
- Vegetables
The regulated marketing system in B.C. is unique to agriculture. It helps keep markets stable, supports fair prices, and protects producers and consumers.
Regulated marketing boards and commissions
Each regulated commodity is overseen by a dedicated marketing board or commission.
These organizations carry out the goals of the regulated marketing system by:
- Regulating how their product is marketed
- Managing licensing and fees
- Setting prices and quotas for supply-managed products
- Ensuring compliance with regulations and orders
- Granting exemptions (such as for personal consumption)
They work closely with national marketing agencies and the Farm Products Council of Canada.
Boards and commissions by sector
Many board and commission websites provide information for producers, updates on the industry, regulatory documents, and resources for the public.
Defunct boards and commissions
These sectors were overseen by boards and commissions under marketing schemes that have been repealed via Orders in Council:
- Tree fruit: B.C. Fruit Board/B.C. Tree Fruit Marketing Board (1934–2003)
- Oysters: B.C. Oyster Board (1964–1995)
- Mushrooms: B.C. Mushroom Marketing Board (1966–2004)
- Grapes: B.C. Grape Marketing Board (1970–2002)
- Sheep and wool: B.C. Sheep and Wool Commission (1974–1995)
Acts, regulations and schemes
Each regulated marketing board and commission is governed by different acts, regulations and marketing schemes.
Provincial authority
B.C.’s regulated marketing boards and commissions exercise their powers under:
Federal authority
Boards and commissions can also exercise powers granted by federal legislation, including:
Oversight by BCFIRB
The B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB) oversees regulated marketing boards and commissions. It ensures that boards and commissions make decisions that reflect sound marketing policy and operate according to principles of good governance.
BCFIRB does this by:
- Hearing appeals of decisions, orders, or determinations made by boards and commissions
- Making sure boards and commissions follow good governance practices and sound marketing policy
- Providing direction or recommendations when needed
- Launching formal supervisory reviews to address problems that affect multiple sectors or reflect system-wide concerns
BCFIRB has the authority to step in at any time, whether or not a formal hearing is involved.
Creating or revoking a marketing board or commission
Boards and commissions are created or revoked under the Natural Products Marketing (BC) Act (NPMA). This law supports B.C.’s regulated marketing system.
Each board or commission includes:
- Members elected by producers and/or appointed by government
- A chairperson appointed by the B.C. government
Creating a board or commission
A marketing board or commission can only be created through a government order (Order in Council). Under the NPMA, the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Cabinet) may:
- Approve a marketing plan (called a “scheme”) for a specific farm product
- Establish a marketing board or commission to manage the plan
- Grant powers to that board or commission to carry out the purpose and intent of the NPMA
Revoking a board or commission
A marketing board or commission can be revoked if its authority is removed. Under the NPMA, the Lieutenant Governor in Council has the power to:
- Cancel the marketing scheme that gives the board its authority
- Decide what happens to the board’s property and remaining responsibilities
To revoke a board or commission, the Minister of Agriculture and Food recommends a government order. Then, Cabinet approves the order to cancel the scheme and remove the board’s authority.
Example: Creating the B.C. Egg Marketing Board
- In 1967, B.C. egg farmers voted on whether to create a marketing board
- 73% voted in favour
- The B.C. government recommended forming a board
- On July 13, 1967, Cabinet approved an order that officially created the B.C. Egg Marketing Board