For many growers, the biggest barrier to pursuing a claim is not the legal process itself. It is the relationship. In regional communities, suppliers, agronomists and growers often work together over many years, and many farmers are understandably reluctant to raise concerns if they believe it may damage a valued business relationship. Recent discussions regarding the performance of certain canola varieties have highlighted an important issue for farming businesses: protecting your legal rights does not necessarily mean taking an aggressive approach or ending a long-standing commercial relationship. Where concerns arise about the performance of a seed variety, chemical or other agricultural product, growers are often hesitant to make inquiries or seek compensation because the supplier may be a trusted local business or a person they have dealt with for decades. However, raising legitimate concerns and seeking advice should not be viewed as a personal attack. In many cases, suppliers will notify their insurer as soon as a significant claim is raised. From that point, discussions regarding liability and compensation are often managed by insurers, loss assessors and legal representatives. As a result, a grower may effectively be dealing with an insurance claim rather than a dispute directly with the supplier. That distinction is important. A claim can often be investigated and resolved without permanently damaging an otherwise productive business relationship. At the same time, growers should be aware that not every supplier is insured for every type of loss. Some businesses may not carry insurance that responds to large-scale agricultural claims, while others may not have sufficient coverage where multiple growers are affected. Early advice can therefore be critical in understanding both your legal position and the practical realities of recovery.  If you are experiencing concerns regarding crop performance, keep detailed records, retain product packaging, batch information, invoices and correspondence, obtain independent agronomic advice, and seek legal advice before signing any settlement agreement, release or non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Protecting your rights does not have to mean burning bridges. Often, the best outcomes are achieved through early communication, careful investigation and practical resolution. Author: Matilda Lloyd, Associate Director of Bailiwick Legal, assists farming families and agribusinesses throughout Western Australia with commercial disputes and risk management. For assistance with all of your agribusiness needs, contact Bailiwick Legal: West Perth Office on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au Bridgetwoen Office on 08 6288 6240 or email bridgetown@bailiwicklegal.com.au For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.

One of the most common concerns we hear from growers experiencing issues with agricultural products is: "I don't want to sue someone I've known for years." In regional communities, business relationships matter. Suppliers, agronomists and growers often work together over many seasons, and many farmers are understandably reluctant to take action if they believe doing so may damage those relationships. However, pursuing a claim does not necessarily mean attacking a long-standing business relationship. In many cases, the supplier will notify its insurer of the claim and the matter will be managed by the insurer and its representatives. Where insurance is available, discussions regarding compensation often proceed through the insurer's claims process rather than as a personal dispute between grower and supplier. For that reason, growers should not assume that raising legitimate concerns about product performance will automatically result in the loss of an important commercial relationship. That said, every situation is different. Some suppliers may not carry insurance for particular losses, and others may not have sufficient insurance coverage to respond to multiple large-scale claims. In those circumstances, early advice can be particularly important, both to preserve evidence and to understand the practical options available. If you believe a seed variety, chemical or other agricultural product has not performed as represented, keep detailed records, obtain independent agronomic advice and seek legal advice before signing any settlement agreement, release or non-disclosure agreement. The earlier advice is obtained, the more options are generally available. Author: Matilda Lloyd, Associate Director of Bailiwick Legal, assists farming families and agribusinesses throughout Western Australia with commercial disputes and risk management. For assistance with all of your agribusiness needs, contact Bailiwick Legal: West Perth Office on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au Bridgetwoen Office on 08 6288 6240 or email bridgetown@bailiwicklegal.com.au For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.