As food inflation continues to drive up grocery costs in Surrey and global instability places pressure on supply chains, Doug McCallum is calling for urgent action to protect critical farmland in Surrey that has helped feed local families for generations.
The Heppell family farm, which has operated in Surrey for over 50 years, now faces an uncertain future as the federal government considers ending its lease. McCallum warns that losing this land would be a major blow to local food supply at a time when families are already struggling with rising costs.
“Food inflation is a real problem in Surrey, and families are feeling it every time they go to the grocery store,” said McCallum. “
The last thing we should be doing is putting our local food supply at risk. This farmland is a vital asset, once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
McCallum emphasized that during a time of global uncertainty, protecting local agriculture is essential to keeping food affordable and ensuring a stable supply.
“If we lose this land, we become more dependent on imports and more vulnerable to global disruptions,” he said. “That means even higher food prices for families here in Surrey and across British
Columbia.”
McCallum pointed to his record of taking action to protect farmland in Surrey and advocating for its inclusion in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), stressing that this is an issue he has consistently fought
for. “We’ve taken action before to protect these lands, and we must do it again,” he said. “Once farmland is lost, it cannot be replaced.”
McCallum is calling on the Province of British Columbia to take immediate steps to include the Heppell farmland in the ALR and is urging residents to take action by signing the petition to protect the land. “I encourage residents to make their voices heard,” he said. “Sign the petition and put pressure on your local MLAs and Members of Parliament to stop the federal government from ending this lease.” “This is about protecting our food security, supporting local farmers, and ensuring families have access to affordable food,” McCallum added. “We cannot afford to lose this land.”
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Doug McCallum
