Food security in B.C. and the fight to save ‘a little piece of California’

Some of the best farmland in Canada is at the centre of a battle to preserve it for agriculture.

It’s a plot of land in Surrey, B.C., that farmers say is like a little piece of California.

And they want to save it.

But despite a petition with 85,000 signatures—and years of trying to get the 220-acre parcel of federally-owned land protected—they still have no promises from Ottawa.

“There’s a lot of pressure right now for housing, warehousing, park facilities, so there’s a lot of people that want this land for their own needs,” said Tyler Heppell of Heppell’s Potato Farm.

“What we’re asking is the federal government to listen to the voices of the people, and make the best decision for the people of British Columbia.”

The land is sandy, well-drained—and it allows farmers to plant early.

The first potatoes went in the ground in February. Workers were out planting again Friday.

“Last week, it rained five inches and we’re able to plant this week. That is unheard of on any other farmland here in the Fraser Valley,” Heppell said, adding that it’s crucial for food security.

“The reason it’s so important to our food security is because we’re able to plant the first crops of the year on this land and that means we’re able to harvest the first crops. So it turns off our reliance of foreign produce here in the Fraser Valley, and even in western Canada,” he explained.

Heppell’s has a lease, which runs year-to-year, on the property, which is on the federal government’s disposal list.

“We have put pressure on the federal government and the provincial government to protect this land,” said Mike Bose, a Surrey city councillor.

The B.C. Conservative agriculture critic also said more needs to be done.

“It’s very frustrating that we can’t seem to get any answers from federal government, or the province, as to how we can keep this 200-and-some-odd acres of beautiful farmland in Surrey from being developed into an industrial park,” said Ian Paton, who also serves as the MLA for Delta South.

B.C.’s agriculture and food minister said she recognizes the importance of the land, though it is outside the Agricultural Land Reserve.

“This fertile land supplies a substantial part of B.C.’s local vegetables during the critical May to early-July food window,” said Lana Popham in a written statement.

“Just days ago, I spoke about this matter to the federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, and separately with Senator (Mary) Robinson, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry,” she said.

In a written response received March 31, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada said it is in the process of “divesting” the property.

“This process includes engagement with federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations governments to solicit proposals for potential uses of the land. Result of consultations are currently being analyzed regarding future use of the property and discussions with relevant First Nations are ongoing,” the statement said.

Heppell said he wants the land put in a protective covenant. He said too much farmland is being lost at a time when Canada needs to be more self-sufficient.

The Heppell family has been farming the property for more than 50 years.

“It took five years to really get it producing, but we stuck to it,” said Ron Heppell.

Tyler Heppell said it’s estimated 30-50 million servings come off the land each year at a time when no other land is producing food.