Regulated Marketing: Supervisory Reviews

Supervisory reviews are a formal exercise of BCFIRB’s supervisory powers, leading to decisions and directions to B.C.’s agricultural commodity boards. Supervisory reviews lead to BCFIRB providing decisions and directions to B.C.'s agricultural commodity boards.

BCFIRB may exercise its supervisory authority at any time, with or without a hearing. This could include a supervisory review being initiated

• At BCFIRB’s discretion,
• As a result of issues arising out of an appeal,
• Following an industry request, and/or
• After consultation with stakeholders.

The Natural Products Marketing (B.C.) Act (NPMA) allows for flexibility in how BCFIRB will conduct a supervisory review. This could include BCFIRB conducting consultation or research, or directing a board to do the same. As part of the supervisory review process, BCFIRB may hold a formal hearing if it deems one is warranted. Under the NPMA, BCFIRB has established rules governing the exercise of its supervisory authority in its' Supervisory Practice Directive.

Supervisory reviews allow BCFIRB to take a proactive approach to industry issues. They are different from appeals, which are triggered by a party who is aggrieved by or dissatisfied with a decision, determination or order of a board or commission. BCFIRB has broad scope in what it may review, including governance of the agricultural commodity boards.

Most commonly, supervisory reviews address either cross-sector or systemic industry issues.

Cross-Sector Issues

Following are a few examples of cross-sector issues that BCFIRB addressed through supervisory review processes:

• 2016 Quota Assessment Tools Evaluation (QATE) Project

The purpose of the QATE project was to carry out an evaluation of the outcomes of specific 2005 Specialty Review transfer assessment and industry entry related directions, as they pertain to their continued effectiveness, utility and appropriateness.

• 2013 Supervisory Review of Poultry Insurance

The purpose of the Poultry Insurance review was to determine if mandatory insurance falls within the B.C. poultry board’s legal authority and is in accordance with sound marketing policy under s. 9 of the Natural Products Marketing (B.C.) Act (NPMA). Additionally, the review considered what activities might fall within those authorities and responsibilities.

• 2005 Specialty Review

The purpose of the 2005 review was to ensure the policies and procedures of British Columbia's five supply management marketing boards and commissions support B.C. specialty markets and new farmers. Following the review, BCFIRB extended its policies and directions to all quota.

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