South Surrey’s “Farm-Fluencer” Using Social Media to Protect Farmland and Teach B.C. How Food Really Gets Made
In an era where AI-generated farm videos rake in millions of views, one real farmer in South Surrey has built something far more meaningful: a loyal global audience learning the truth about farming — and the urgent need to protect good farmland in British Columbia.
Tyler Heppell, a fifth-generation grower from Heppell’s Potato Corp, left a successful sales career to return to his family’s more-than-100-year-old farm. Today, he’s one of B.C.’s most influential agricultural voices, blending old-school farming with modern digital storytelling for over 811,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.
A Purpose That Pulled Him Out of Corporate Life
When Heppell returned to the farm, he wasn’t just stepping into his family’s legacy — he was stepping into a calling. Rising supply costs, land pressures, and climate challenges pushed him to find creative ways to keep farming viable. Social media became that tool.
Through short, educational videos, he explains everything from harvest routines and soil science to crop economics and the often-overlooked beauty of “ugly” vegetables.
“It’s about helping people understand how much work goes into growing their food,” Heppell said. “Once they see it, they appreciate it differently.”
The Rise of “Ugly Potato Day”
What started as a small community idea in 2022 — giving away free imperfect potatoes to fight food waste — exploded into a regional movement.
The first event drew 12 people.
Soon, thousands were lining up at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds to collect misshapen potatoes, squash, carrots and more — produce perfectly healthy but rejected by grocery stores.
Other local farms joined the effort, turning Ugly Potato Day into a full-scale food security initiative.
Digital Agritourism and Community Impact
Heppell’s online influence doesn’t just entertain — it drives real change. His “Ten Servings” initiative encourages farmers to donate extra produce to food banks, helping families across the Lower Mainland.
His blend of environmental stewardship and community leadership recently earned him the Environmental Leader of the Year award at the Surrey Now-Leader’s Community Leader Awards.
Protecting Campbell Heights Farmland
One of Heppell’s biggest battles is saving over 200 acres of farmland in Campbell Heights — land his family has farmed for more than 50 years. Known for its sandy soil and early-season yields, the property produces 30–50 million servings of local vegetables annually.
More than 84,000 people signed a petition after Heppell raised awareness online.
But the future of the land remains uncertain as federal Crown land negotiations with the Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations continue. Heppell says he supports reconciliation, but hopes solutions can preserve both cultural rights and food security.
Bringing Agriculture to a New Generation
From showing how “marshmallow farms” work (spoiler: they don’t) to answering questions about why potatoes turn green, Heppell’s content brings farming into living rooms, classrooms and dinner tables across Canada.
He hopes young British Columbians see agriculture not as a fading industry, but as one full of opportunity.
“I want more young farmers to get into this. And I want more farmers to use social media. Your voice matters,” he said.
A Farmer Living His Purpose
Whether he’s handing out potatoes to trick-or-treaters or flying to Scotland to meet a fellow farmer he met on TikTok, Heppell is building something powerful: community, education, and a deeper connection to the food that sustains us.
“Living in your purpose is always worth it,” he reflected.
South Surrey’s “farm-fluencer” may grow potatoes — but he’s planting something far bigger across British Columbia.
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