DRC Membership: Trade with confidence from anywhere in the world
The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) is a not-for-profit, membership-based, international entity providing a broad range of private, commercial dispute resolution services to the fresh fruit and vegetable trade. In other words, the DRC serves as 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.
Special Requirements for Canadians
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.
Grade Requirements
The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) is a not-for-profit, member-based, international entity providing a broad range of private, commercial dispute resolution services to the fresh fruit and vegetable trade.
In The News
Fall 2026 import requirements for romaine lettuce from the United States
Effective September 24, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will renew the temporary conditions to Fresh Fruit and Vegetable import licences. These conditions apply to romaine lettuce products imported from the United States. Importers of romaine lettuce products originating from the four specified counties in California’s Salinas Valley (Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and …
Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation Holds Successful Annual General Meeting
Brings together members and leadership to review progress and outline future priorities OTTAWA, Canada – June 18, 2026 – The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) convened a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Victoria, British Columbia, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The AGM brought together DRC members, senior staff, and Board Directors both …
New Report! 2026 Produce Fraud Forecast
Fraud in produce is about to get harder to detect. Here’s what’s coming. Blue Book has launched the 2026 Fraud Forecast to surface emerging fraud patterns, bad actors, and enforcement gaps impacting the produce supply chain.
Solutions
The inside story of a reefer: how air moves
One of the most common sources of disputes in the fresh produce industry involves temperature management during transportation. Understanding how refrigerated trailers function—and how airflow, loading practices, equipment condition, and monitoring affect product quality—can help reduce risk and prevent costly claims. Originally researched and written by Karen Davidson for The Grower publication, this article provides …
Representative Sample: Key to Reliable Inspections
Under the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) Good Inspection Guidelines, unless otherwise agreed, DRC members who receive product in a deteriorated condition must request a third-party quality inspection, preferably a government inspection, to demonstrate that the product fails to meet the agreed-upon quality standard (specs) or the DRC Good Arrival Guidelines. While there are …
The Value of Customs Brokers
The Risks of Navigating Customs Without Expertise Navigating customs regulations is one of the most complex and high-risk aspects of global trade, especially in the fresh produce industry, where timing is critical. For businesses importing or exporting goods, even small errors can bring costly delays, penalties, or spoiled shipments. This is why many companies rely …
Arbitration Decision Brief: Accurate and relevant notes on the Bill of Lading (BoL) are crucial when submitting a claim
Dispute regarding elevated pulp temperatures upon arrival 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 …
