Community rallying to save Surrey potato farm

The community is rallying to save a Surrey potato farm from losing its land.

A petition with more than 88,000 signatures has been started to save the Heppell farm, 300 acres at 192 Street and 36 Avenue that has grown potatoes, carrots, cabbage and squash for more than 50 years.

The farm sits on land owned by the federal government.

“Because the land is federally owned, it is not currently protected by the ALR,” said a statement from the family. “The federal government has declared it ‘surplus to requirements’ and may dispose of it, which opens the door to industrial development. If that happens, this food-producing land will be lost forever.”

The federal government has not yet responded to a request for more details about plans for the farm.

In June 2024, three First Nations – the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo nations – formally requested that the land be returned to them.

“Most of our territory has been gobbled up with the urban sprawl,” said Semiahmoo Chief Harley Chappell, in a statement. “As we look towards the future, our communities aspire to be part of the growth of this place that’s called British Columbia.”

The Heppell farm produces roughly 50 million servings of potatoes each year.

The family has hosted an Ugly Potato Day each year since 2022.

“With its beach-like sandy soil upon a level hill-top, it never floods, it can be planted or harvested on nearly any day of the year and has a special a micro-climate suited for early production. Western Canada’s potato harvest starts on this farmland each year,” reads a post on the petition.

Former-Surrey mayor Doug McCallum issued a statement pledging his support for keeping the farm.

“The Heppell farm has been producing food in Surrey for over 50 years. If we lose this land, we lose a vital part of our local food supply and that means even higher grocery costs for families,” McCallum said. “This isn’t just about farmland. It’s about food security, affordability, and protecting something we can’t replace.”