Surrey Agriculture Leadership Award

Heppell’s Potato Corp.

Heppell’s Potato Corp. is a 3rd generation farm that was pioneered by Lester Heppell almost 100 years ago. Back then, it was a mixed farm whose main focus is vegetables, dairy cows and turkeys based on 40 acres of land where the farm still sits today. In the early 60’s Lester’s two sons, Ron and Dave took over the family farm and started to modernize it. Working with a long-time business partner, Peter Schouten, the predecessor’s motto “there is always a better way” has become their driving force and paved the way for new agriculture innovations. Fast forward to today, Heppell’s Potato Corp. has leveraged new technologies to make farming and processing more efficient, among these are: the use of GPS mapping technology and self-guided tractors, use of real-time data for all crops to ensure food safety and overall farm efficiency Indeed, they continue to always find a better way!

Individual: Michael J. Bose

Michael Bose has grown up in a family with a long farming tradition in Surrey. He has not only demonstrated excellence as a successful farmer and entrepreneur but also distinguished himself by his outstanding dedication to Surrey’s agriculture and the protection of agricultural land. He is an agricultural representative on a variety of community committees, represented Surrey on Metro Vancouver’s land inventory and taxation committee and is a member of the Surrey Agriculture and Food Security Advisory Committee from 1995 to 2013. He has also worked as a Commissioner for the Agricultural Land Commission.

Business: Zaklan Heritage Farm

Zaklan Heritage Farm has a rich and long heritage of farming in Surrey that few can match. It started in the 1920’s and has undergone revitalization led by the next generation of Zaklans. With ample support from family, the farm has transformed into a diverse mixed vegetables and livestock operation. Despite significant pressure from urban sprawl and housing development, the farm has remained true to itself and continued to produce local, healthy produce even while now surrounded by housing real estate. It is a clear winner against the threats of our ever-increasing population growth and pressures on land values.