The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) is a non-profit, member-based organization whose core work is business-to-business private commercial dispute resolution. In other words, the DRC is a referee between parties when the purchase and sale do not go according to plan.
Our members are recognized as preferred buyers and vendors, resulting in improved business networking! You’ll also receive:
- access to our expansive member directory and up to date information on current and potential trading partners.
- greater commercial assurance, thanks to our commitment to fair and ethical business practices.
- one-on-one professional and confidential consultation.
Visit our Membership page for additional benefits. All services are provided in English, French and Spanish.
A key requirement under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) is that Canadians who buy, sell, import, or export fresh fruits or vegetables (inter-provincially or internationally) must be members in good standing of the DRC, unless they qualify for specific exemptions. This replaces the previous option under the Canada Agricultural Products Act (CAP Act), which allowed businesses to choose between a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Produce License or DRC membership. Under the SFCR, the CFIA Produce License is discontinued, and DRC membership is the sole requirement for trade compliance.
In The News
Passing of Fred Webber
OTTAWA, November 26, 2025 – It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Fred Webber, retired President and CEO for the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), passed away on November 24th, 2025. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy shaped by his dedication to fairness and ethical trading in the fresh produce …
Industry Coalition Releases a Comprehensive Guide to Fraud Prevention
October 21, 2025 – A coalition of produce industry leaders released “A Guide: Fraud Prevention in Produce.” This comprehensive resource is designed to help companies protect themselves against the rapidly escalating threat of fraud, which has cost the industry tens of millions of dollars annually. The guide was developed by experts representing the Fruit and …
DRC welcomes regulatory amendment from CFIA
The authority to maintain fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards (other than onions, potatoes and apples) has been transferred from the CFIA to the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation. On October 8, 2025, the Government of Canada published the Regulations Amending the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Reducing Red Tape and Supporting Resilience – …
Solutions
Membership Update for December 2025
Summary The DRC welcomed seven new members in December 2025. Additionally, some existing members have changed their status, and one was terminated with cause. Scroll below for more information. Welcome New Members ALFEZZAN TUMR LTD., MB, Canada ANC TRADING GROUP, ON, Canada ENTREPRISE SUD INC. (Also d/b/a Quartier Japonais 808), QC, Canada FRESH FLEET LTD., ON, …
Dispute Over Respondent’s Return Based on a Restricted CFIA Inspection Result
The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) has developed a series of articles summarizing past arbitration decisions. These articles will help members understand how the DRC Dispute Rules and Standards (R&S) apply in a dispute. The DRC Dispute R&S states that all DRC arbitrations are private and confidential. As such, the names of all …
Understanding DRC Good Arrival Guidelines
One of the most challenging terms to understand in our industry is the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation’s (DRC) Good Arrival Guidelines (Good Arrival). Before delving into this term, it is essential to understand that Good Arrival only applies to transactions where the parties fail to agree on a specific grade standard, the condition …
Dispute over the Claimant’s alleged breach of contract due to the shipment of broccoli crowns that did not meet the specified stalk length requirements.
The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) has developed a series of articles summarizing past arbitration decisions. These articles will help members understand how the DRC Dispute Rules and Standards (R&S) apply in a dispute. The DRC Dispute R&S states that all DRC arbitrations are private and confidential. As such, the names of all …
