Crown Estates profits climb 9.2%

13 July 2000



Crown Estates profits climb 9.2%

CROWN ESTATES, which manages the Queens land and has the countrys largest portfolio of tenanted farms, has announced a 9.2% rise in profits to 13 million.

Sir Christopher Howes, chief executive of Crown Estates, told The Daily Telegraph he was “terribly conscious” of recent difficulties in the farming industry.

He told the paper: “Weve tried to avoid subsidising the inefficient farmer because we have to be realistic to present-day circumstances.

“However, we have a system where we can provide accommodation for farmers to retire in dignity. We really do believe in stewardship.”

According to The Times, selling ice-cream by post is one new venture which helped boost the coffers at Crown Estates.

The paper focuses on David Baker, a former Somerset farmer who realised he would make more money from sheeps-milk ice cream than from farming.

• The Times, page 34
• Daily Telegraph, page 13