The Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) can now handle disputes involving seed potatoes. The by-law change approved by members at the 2008 Annual Meeting took effect once approved by the Canadian Government which happened recently.Seed potatoes are covered up to the point where they are planted as seed.This move further harmonizes the DRC rules with those of the PACA which does handle complaints regarding seed potatoes essentially up to the point where they are planted.“This change will enhance the coverage we provide to our current members and it will provide us a basis for attracting new members.Quite a few of our members as well as the Potato Committee Executive and the Seed Potato Committee of the Canadian Horticultural Council, which represents seed potato growers from across Canada have been asking us for some time to include seed under the DRC,” said DRC President Stephen Whitney.
Matt McInerney, DRC Chairman stated, “One of the reasons it took some time for the DRC to make a decision is directly related to the nature of the complaints that can occur with seed.The DRC needed to ensure it had the necessary resources and expertise to deal with the types of issues that arise within this sector.This became much easier to address when it took a lead from PACA by limiting the disputes it will handle to those which occur prior to planting”.
The Dispute Resolution Corporation is a private, non-profit organization of companies that trade or transport fresh produce in North America. It was established under Article 707 of NAFTA with the support and endorsement of the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican Governments. It is dedicated to providing fair, efficient, affordable, and enforceable dispute resolution services.
For more information please contact:
Fred Webber: Tel (613) 234-0982
fwebber@fvdrc.com
