We’re going to triple our agriculture and food processing sector and feed all of western Canada: Linda Annis
Surrey, B.C. (August 24, 2026): Surrey First Councillor and candidate for mayor Linda Annis says she wants to triple Surrey’s agricultural and food processing sector in her first term, a reaction to the weekend collapse of the trade deal to prevent 50 per cent U.S. tariffs.
“The aim is to become the agricultural and food processing capital of western Canada by aggressively growing local food production, expanding processing capacity, cutting red tape, and creating the right conditions for hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment,” said Annis. “It starts by tripling the size of the sector in my first term. It’s ambitious and it will not be easy, but the new 50 per cent tariffs and our unpredictable relationship with the United States is a serious reminder that our country, our province and our city need to look at a different and more independent future. We need to be more self-sufficient and more self-reliant with diverse and dependable trading partners around the world. These latest Trump tariffs are both a warning and an opportunity.”
Annis said as a growing border city, Surrey can play a big part in Canada’s new economic future.
“One of the things Surrey can focus on right away is the tremendous potential of our incredible agricultural sector,” noted Annis. “We have the land, the people, and the growing capacity to triple our agricultural sector, including the all-important food processing side of the business. Now more than ever, we need to put our farms and food processing capacity to work not just for our own food security, but as a major export that can help power our new economy.”
Annis pointed to the Netherlands as a successful example for Surrey and its agricultural and food processing sector.
“The Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet they are an agricultural and food processing powerhouse,” said Annis. “They are the second biggest agricultural exporter in the world after the United States. As mayor, I want to make our city’s agricultural sector a priority, not just for our city and province but for our country. Right now, our local agricultural sector produces about $150 million annually. I want to triple that right away and keep that momentum going in the years ahead. A big part of growing the sector is making sure we are tapping into innovation and our ability to do more value-added processing on our farms.
“Recently, the province has proposed some positive changes to processing, and that’s good news. But we need to do much more. We need to cut red tape, and give our farmers the support, incentives, and permission to do what they do best: grow their industry. That means less red tape and regulation, faster approvals from every level of government, easier permits, more innovation, and more future-driven research and development.”
Annis said protecting farmland is essential but putting that farmland to work for B.C. and Canada right now during these challenging times must be front and centre.
“Every level of government that has a say in agriculture needs to get on board, but it requires coordination and a team approach,” added Annis. “As mayor, I will happily take the lead to get things moving.”
Annis said Surrey farmers must have more opportunities to process onsite without having their hands tied, and that means allowing Surrey farmers to grow the entire agricultural and food processing sector.
“The Netherlands agricultural sector is worth more than $100 billion annually,” explained Annis. “It was made possible because after the Second World War, they emphasized high-tech horticulture, year-round greenhouses, and ongoing research and development at Wageningen University, the main agricultural research university in the country.
“Here in Surrey, I want to bring the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, the ALR, our city’s farmers, our universities, and city hall together to map out the tripling of our agricultural sector over four years, and what we need to do as government and industry to make that happen,” noted Annis. “Our city’s farmers and local food processors know how to grow the industry, and city hall and the provincial government need to support them to make it happen. We need to foster innovation alongside faster approvals and permits, and fewer roadblocks and regulations that discourage investment and production.”
Annis said with the United States imposing unfair 50 per cent tariffs on Canada it is time for Surrey to do its part for our city, province and country.
“Done right, Surrey can feed western Canada and provide food and agricultural exports that drive jobs and economic growth,” said Annis. “It’s hard to stand up for yourself when you can’t feed yourself. I want to build a national and international reputation for our local agricultural sector, and I want Surrey to make sure our fellow Canadians are well-fed for the challenges ahead.”