Our Champions

Mallika Basu

Food writer, author, commentator, entrepreneur, presenter BBC Good Food, Judge & Co-Presenter The Great Taste Awards Final

"A picky eater as a child; I went on to build a life and career around food. And so now, I am determined to make sure that my two children discover a love for fresh produce, cooking and wholesome meals during their childhood. I feel passionately about this, and wish there were more opportunities for children from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds to experience all the joys and wonders of food and agriculture from an early age; building knowledge and habits that will last a lifetime. Very honoured to be supporting the work of The Country Trust."

Tim Bentinck MBE

Actor & Writer

"Most of us live in towns and cities now, and lots of children are growing up with no connection with the countryside and the land that sustains us all. The Country Trust is changing that, providing life enhancing food and farming opportunities for children facing disadvantage across England and Wales, which I wholeheartedly applaud."

Ben Ebbrell

Chef & Co-Founder at Sorted Food

"Forging interest and excitement about food and where it is grown for young people is, in my opinion, so important. I am delighted, therefore, to champion the Country Trust's commitment to enabling children facing disadvantage to meet those who grow our food and look after the land; to get their hands in the soil, to harvest, cook and taste; to discover the journey from farm to fork."

Jenny Jefferies

Award Winning Author, Columnist & Radio Producer/Presenter

"I had never before seen a real life combine harvester until I met my arable farming husband, John, on a blind date. I was absolutely ashamed at my own personal ignorance about food provenance, and since that life pivotal moment, I am now so passionate about reaching out and bridging that gap between food producer and consumer and to shout loud and proud about the great work that farmers and fishermen do all over the world. The Country Trust does just that for school children here in the UK; nurturing our next generation and championing the hard work that British farmers do to help put food on our tables. Educating young school children about farming and food is at the heart of The Country Trust and it's a great privilege to help support such a positive and significant charity."

Anna Jones

Journalist, Author, Producer, Broadcaster

"A lot of my work revolves around building bridges between disconnected urban and rural communities, but it wasn't until I saw for myself the work of the Country Trust on our own family farm that I fully realised the value of sharing farm life with young urban people. Thanks to the Country Trust and the hard work of my sister 'Farmer Kate' and Dad 'Farmer Tony', we have welcomed hundreds of children to our small farm, to meet our sheepdog Peggy, Wonky the Bull and Miracle the Sheep. By sharing stories, we have opened up our world to children from many different backgrounds, and they, in turn, have taught us so much too. We are ever grateful for that opportunity, and I am honoured and proud to support the Country Trust in everything they do."