TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2025
Our Food Trust C/O CriC, BEAUFORT STREET CRICKHOWELL POWYS NP8 1BN
Our Food Trust is a Charity Registered in England and Wales - Charity Commission Reference 1206110
1
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AT 30 JUNE 2025
The trustees of Our Food Trust present their Report and Accounts as at 30 June 2025.
Address
The Registered office of Our Food Trust is located at: C/O CriC BEAUFORT STREET CRICKHOWELL POWYS NP8 1BN
Trustees
The following trustees held office throughout the period:
George James Stewart Wallis (Chair) James Steuart Skinner Christopher Albrecht Bielenberg
Structure
Our Food Trust is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee whose only voting members are its charity trustees. It is governed by a Board of Trustees working to a constitution dated 07 December 2023. It is managed on a day-to-day basis by two job-sharing salaried employees.
Trustees are selected according to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charity. In addition to knowledge and experience of charity administration and fundraising, included on the board is experience of agroecological/regenerative farming, conservation and policy development.
Public Benefit
The charity’s trustees have read and understood the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Reserves Policy
The charity aims to retain reserves for three months’ operating costs in order to bridge gaps between grants.
Fundraising
The work of Our Food Trust is currently focused on illustrating the benefit of regenerative farming practices in one region, Wales.
The charity is pursuing this by:
-
promoting a public narrative about the need for this kind of farming (via media articles, films and events) and
-
stimulating practical delivery on the ground (creating networks and raising funds to support demonstrations of regenerative farming in practice).
2
Financial Review
The charity’s turnover in the 2024-25 period was £126,986 (2023-24 £102,479), with costs of £143,136 (2023-24 £83,898), leaving a loss of £16,151 (2023-24 surplus £18,582). At the end of the financial period total capital and reserves amounted to £120,913 (2023-24 £137,063).
Objectives and Activities
The Objects of the Charity are, for the public benefit, the advancement of the conservation of the physical and natural environment by promoting biodiversity in the United Kingdom, in particular but not exclusively by:
(a) promoting and facilitating farming practices that contribute to the regeneration of the earth's physical and natural resources; and
(b) advancing the education of the public and farmers in particular into the benefits that farming that contributes to the regeneration of the earth's physical and natural resources has on biodiversity.
Achievements and Performance
Promoting and facilitating regenerative/agroecological farming techniques:
During the period, the charity continued its participation in the Future Farms Partnership project to pilot and demonstrate how council-owned land can be used to facilitate agroecological growing. We helped fundraise for, plan and develop three small farms. Planning permission was granted in October 2024 after which the team built houses, barns and services, and recruited new growers, who began setting up their new enterprises in May 2025. A “bio-blitz” was carried out on site with help from the local community to assess the level of biodiversity currently present for future comparison.
So far, the project has demonstrated how new planning guidelines on rural enterprise dwellings may be applied to enable housing on site for growers while they prove their farms can be viable. Without affordable housing on or very nearby, this type of sustainable farming is inaccessible to young people with limited resources. The project has also demonstrated that there are people willing to produce food in a way that benefits the environment and biodiversity, with the recruitment of five experienced growers.
Recognising that access to land is one of the key challenges for stimulating new agroecological farming, the charity has investigated the development of a new trust to secure land for regenerative/agroecological food growing in perpetuity. The new charitable community benefit society, Farmland Trust, was constituted in May 2025. Our Food Trust will collaborate with Farmland Trust in future initiatives to demonstrate how the small-farm cluster model can be developed at scale. The role of Our Food Trust will be to promote agroecological farming techniques to existing and future farmers and to research, facilitate and pilot new approaches to overcome barriers and help change the system towards farming that contributes to climate mitigation, nature restoration and protection of our rivers.
An expansion of regenerative farming will require the establishment of new places for growers to sell their produce. The proximity of Birmingham, a city with a well-developed food strategy and that is looking to source food from its rural hinterland, is an obvious place to investigate. Our Food Trust was invited to participate in the city’s Food Sourcing Action Group, which is coordinated by the Food Foundation. We were commissioned to investigate what could be grown in Powys for which there is demand in Birmingham to help guide next steps.
Education:
The charity has adopted the narrative around threats to our future food security as part of the rationale for promoting regenerative/agroecological growing. In the previous financial year, we were awarded a grant to research this rationale, based on a new report by Professor Tim Lang, “Just in Case”. In the 2024-25 period we received a grant to present this information on a new website [foodsecurityaction.org] interpreting the academic arguments for food security in format easily accessible for the public.
An open day at the new farms near Newtown was organized as the new growers were setting up their farms to share the experience with policy makers and NGOs interested to support an expansion of agroecological horticulture.
3
The charity worked with horticulture educators in Powys to understand current pathways for acquiring skills and experience in the sector. It became apparent that there is a lack of opportunity following formal education programmes for the development of practical growing experience. This is something the charity will work on during the next year.
Activities Funded by Restricted Monies
There was one restricted grant during the period:
- A private donation to cover the publication of the narrative around food security on a website, that will help inform stakeholders, especially policy makers, of the need to produce more good food in the UK.
SIGNATURE:
DATE: 12[th] February 2026
George James Stewart Wallis Chair of Trustees Our Food Trust
4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Our Food Trust
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Our Food Trust charity for the year ended 30 June 2025.
.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept for the Charity in accordance with, and as required by, section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paul Voltzenlogel 9 Queens Court Haywards Heath RH16 1RJ Date: ........
5
OUR FOOD TRUST (A Charitable Company)
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 30 June 2025
| Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 30 June 2025 |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from: Notes Grants & Donations Interest Income Consulting fees Total Expenditure on Raising funds Charitable activities Management & Administration Total Net income/(expenditure) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net income/(expenditure) Transfer between funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds 110,080 3,706 7,200 120,986 - 29,459 107,677 137,136 -16,150 137,063 -16,150 120,913 |
2025 Restricted Funds 6,000 - 6,000 - 6,000 - 6,000 - - - - - |
Total Funds £ 116,080 3,706 7,200 126,986 - 35,459 107,677 143,136 -16,150 137,063 -16,150 - 120,913 |
2024 Total Funds £ 89,229 13,250 102,479 2,880 15,398 65,620 83,898 18,582 118,481 18,582 - |
||
| 2,880 15,398 65,620 83,898 18,582 118,481 18,582 - |
2,880 15,398 65,620 83,898 |
|||||
| 137,063 |
6
OUR FOOD TRUST
(A Charitable Company)
Balance Sheet At 30 June 2025
| Balance Sheet At 30 June 2025 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Total | Total | ||
| Notes | Funds | Funds | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Tangible Assets | 6 | - | 1,118 |
| Intangible Assets | - | - | |
| Fixed Asset Investments | |||
| - | 1,118 | ||
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 7 | - | - |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 66,717 | 136,295 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 60,000 | - | |
| Total current assets | 126,717 | 136,295 | |
| Creditors | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 8 | (5,804) | (350) |
| Net Current Assets | 120,913 | 135,945 | |
| Net Assets | 120,913 | 137,063 |
7
OUR FOOD TRUST
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2025
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparing the Financial Statements
The financial statements of the Charity, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The Charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':
-
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
-
the requirement of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d).
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. In the view of the trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year.
Income
Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance indicators attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitled, receipt is probable and when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gift aid receivable is included when claimable.
Grant income is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless the grant relates to a future period, in which case it is deferred.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated directly to charitable activities as any fundraising costs are immaterial. A breakdown of these expenses is outlined in Note 3 of the financial statements.
Taxation
The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund Accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees, and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values, but are not held for investment purposes.
Debtors and prepayments
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount is applied. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Creditors and accruals
Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that is likely to result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Financial instruments
Basic financial instruments are measured at amortised cost other than investments which are measured at fair value.
8
OUR FOOD TRUST
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2025
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Going Concern
A principal risk facing the Charity is its ability to generate sufficient income to cover the expenditure incurred in fulfilling its objectives. The trustees have reviewed the cash position and cash forecasts at the date of signing the accounts and are satisfied that the Charity will be able to meet all of its financial commitments. As a consequence, the trustees believe that the Charity is well placed to manage its financial risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook and that the Charity has adequate reserves to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.
2 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
| Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging Independent examination Overseas Income There is no overseas income |
Unrestricted Funds £ 375 |
2025 Total Funds £ 375 |
2024 Total Funds £ 350 |
|---|---|---|---|
3 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration, expenses or other benefits for the year ended 30 June 2025 (2024: £nil).
4 STAFF COSTS
Employment
The Charity employed 2 staff during the year ending 30 June 2025 (2024: 2). No employee was paid more than £60,000 in the year. The Key management person was Duncan Fisher with a remuneration of £48,000
5 PREMISES COSTS
The charity did not rent, lease or own premises during the year ended 30 June 2025 (2024: £nil).
6 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost Depreciation current year Cumulative depreciation Carrying amount |
2025 £ 7,458 (1,118) (7,458) |
|---|---|
| - |
7 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income (Esmee Fairbairn grant received July 2025) CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ - - 60,000 60,000 2025 £ - - 1,537 4,267 5,804 |
2024 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 2024 £ - - - 350 |
||
| 350 |
8 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
9
OUR FOOD TRUST
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2025
9 FUND TRANSFERS
No fund transfers occurred in the year to 30 June 2024
10 RESTRICTED FUNDS
Where a donor restricts use of funds granted to a specific purpose they are treated as Restricted Funds as defined in the Statement of Recommended Practice. Except where a donor specifically allows it, no diversion of Restricted Funds is made to Management and Administration. Expenditure incurred from the Restricted Funds is separately recorded against the corresponding income. During the year ended 30 June 2025, Restricted Funds income and usage was as follows:
| Restricted Grants | At 1/7/24 | Income | Expenditure | Transfer | At 30/6/25 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Alan Heeks | - | 6,000 | (6,000) | - | - |
Education – a private donation was given for a new website, Food Security Action, summarising the report by professor Tim Lang, Just in Case: narrowing the UK civil food resilience gap, on future threats to the UK’s food supplies. This funding matched the research grant from Network for Social Change in the previous financial year, to enable publication of the narrative, interpreted for the public on a website. This narrative will form the rationale for much of the charity’s awareness-raising work in the years ahead, promoting the need to produce more food in our country, in ways that build biodiversity, mitigate climate over-heating and keep rivers clean.
11 RESERVE POLICY
The charity aims to retain reserves for three months’ operating costs in order to bridge gaps between grants. This currently amounts to around £37,500. Unrestricted funds exceed this at the end of the Financial Year, and the Trustees will ensure this sum is ring-fenced during the forthcoming year.
12 RELATED PARTIES
Controlling entity
The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees who are its only voting members and who are appointed in accordance with the Constitution of the charity approved by the Charity Commission in December 2023.
Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year ended 30 June 2025.
MEMBERS' LIABILITY
The members of the Charity are its Trustees. The members are not liable to contribute any amount towards the assets of the Charity in the event of liquidation.
10