Edward Strutt

Edward Gerald Strutt CH (10 April 1854 in Witham, Essex – 8 March 1930 in Hatfield Peverel, Essex) was a British agriculturist who played an important role in British food and agricultural planning during World War I, for which he was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1917. Other than this, he ran much of his family's estates, served on government committees and he co-founded the surveyors and land agents Strutt & Parker.

Two years later, at the age of 22, he began the management of the family's estates in Essex, but initially most of the land was let out, requiring little work. However, from 1878 upon bad harvests and a price drop in wheat, he took more direct control, switching to a system of arable and dairy farming. His improvements to the latter included the growing of lucerne (alfalfa) and other grasses as feed, increased hygiene measures, and testing for tuberculin to remove sickly cattle.

In 1884 he secured the agency for the country properties of Guy's Hospital. It had considerable properties in Essex and elsewhere besides the farms – for these Edward Strutt was responsible. He felt the need for a partner in such land agency so early in 1884 contacted friend and neighbour Charles Parker. On 21 December 1885 a deed of partnership was drawn up between the two and Strutt & Parker was created.

He pioneered or revitalised sugar-beet production in Britain. His assets were resworn for probate, slightly upwardly, at . Those, undisposed, of his widow, resident at Cadogan Gardens, were less than .

Honours He was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1917 for his wartime service.