DRC, a not-for-profit organisation serving the fruit and vegetable trade

The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) looks forward to seeing you at Fruit Attraction 2024 in Madrid. The DRC is a distinctive, not-for-profit, membership-based organisation with a global reach serving the fruit and vegetable trade. As the industry's arbiter, DRC excels in providing its members with harmonised trade rules, dispute resolution procedures and services to help them avoid trade disputes. The DRC offers all its members fast, efficient and cost-effective consultation, mediation and arbitration procedures.

DRC members

DRC members include growers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers, food service distributors, brokers, carriers and transportation intermediaries who deal in fresh fruit or vegetables. Canadian legislation requires companies importing fresh produce into Canada to become members of the DRC. Recognising the importance of global supply chains, the DRC offers its services on an international scale to facilitate fair and ethical trade.

When you join the DRC, you are not just gaining access to dispute resolution services. You are opening a door to a number of benefits that can help you reduce the risk of conflict during a transaction. As a DRC member, you will gain

- Recognition as a preferred buyer or seller, which allows members to differentiate themselves from the competition.

- A set of rules and guidelines setting out the rights and responsibilities of buyers and sellers by default in the absence of a written contract.

- Increased business security, thanks to the DRC's commitment to fair and ethical business practices, so you can trade with confidence.

- Access to the member directory, which offers networking opportunities with other members.

- Professional and confidential consultations with experts to address business challenges.

- Access to the DRC helpdesk, tailored seminars, webinars, publications, printed staff checklists and other resources.

- The convenience of accessing your own web portal, a one-stop shop for all your membership needs, the ability to download and print membership certificates, search the membership directory and much more.

DRC CONFLICT RESOLUTION MODEL

Our effective dispute resolution model follows a potential six-stage process, which we categorise into three services: Education, Mediation and Arbitration.

- Stage 1 encompasses preventive measures through education, training, information dissemination and DRC statutes and rules.

- Stage 2 consists of problem solving and negotiation between conflicting parties using the DRC tools. 

- Phase 3 is a crucial point in the conflict resolution process. The DRC offers its members advisory and consultation services to help them reach a solution with their trading partners. Most disputes are resolved at this stage. If the dispute is not resolved at this stage, members can file a Notice of Dispute.

- The fourth phase is informal mediation (Notice of Dispute). This is a less structured process in which the disputants, with the guidance of the DRC, attempt to reach a resolution. When an amicable agreement cannot be reached immediately, members can file a Statement of Claim, which initiates the arbitration process.

- Phase 5 (optional) is a formal mediation. Persistent disputes often skip this stage and go straight to Stage 6. 

- Stage 6 leads to arbitration for a binding and enforceable decision by an external arbitrator. Arbitration awards must be paid or can be enforced in the competent court of law.

The DRC is committed to helping its members succeed and believes that these benefits can make a real difference to your business.

Meet the DRC team in person at Fruit Attraction 2024. Our stand will be in hall 8, number 8A29. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. For more information, fvdrc.com, info@fvdrc.com.