Two ambitious young women working at the forefront of Cheshire’s rural economy have been named as the recipients of the prestigious 2026 John Platt Travel Scholarship.
Claudia Pearson and Bethan Murphy have each been awarded funding from the scheme that is run in partnership by Reaseheath College and University Centre alongside the Cheshire Agricultural Society Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CASCIO).
For nearly two decades the scholarship has helped professionals aged 18 to 35 to fast-track careers and bring fresh, global perspectives back to the county’s agricultural sector.
This year’s winners are tackling the pressing economic shifts facing UK agriculture from two distinct angles: financial independence in a post-subsidy world, and experience-led farm diversification.
Bethan is an Associate Director at Meller Speakman, a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), and a RICS Registered Valuer. Her day-to-day role involves inspecting local farms and providing strategic advice on asset values, taxation, and succession planning.
Observing first-hand the challenges local farmers face following Brexit and the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Bethan will use her scholarship to travel to New Zealand, which famously underwent an abrupt cutting of agricultural subsidies in the 1980s, forcing its agricultural sector to evolve into an exceptionally efficient, export-oriented, market-driven system.
“I see day to day the difference changing economics and policies can have on how farms operate, and how this can have a direct impact on asset values and property,” explains Bethan.
“Our industry is going through a massive structural transition, particularly with the changing UK policy post-Brexit and the transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). At the end of the day, agriculture is an industry and farms are businesses, and so we need to ensure that they pay their way and keep Cheshire farming well into the future.”
Claudia is a Graduate Rural Surveyor at Rostons working across central and south Cheshire, with experience across planning and development, general rural practice, residential and land sales. Her professional expertise is complemented by a lifelong connection to farming, having grown up on a mixed family farm and helped establish a successful local family butchery business.
Claudia’s research will focus on another form of modern farm resilience: premium, experience-led agritourism. She plans to take a three-week European road trip using her own vehicle and a roof tent to explore agritourism and farm diversification across France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, including Pick-Your-Own as an example of farms selling products directly to consumers.
“Cheshire has many successful farm shops and ice cream parlours, and these markets are busy, but there is an opportunity for a premium pick-your-own enterprise,” she says.
“I believe people are increasingly interested in understanding where their food comes from, and by sharing the journey openly, I can bring others along with me while helping promote agriculture and diversification opportunities. This research has the potential to benefit Cheshire agriculture by identifying practical diversification opportunities, supporting farm business resilience, and encouraging public engagement with agriculture.”
Now in its 18th year, the scholarship was established in memory of John Platt OBE, a passionate champion of Cheshire agriculture and long-standing Chair of Governors at Reaseheath. John firmly believed that international travel expands horizons, challenges systemic assumptions, and builds the professional confidence required to pioneer new ideas.
Marcus Clinton, Principal and CEO at Reaseheath, highlighted the value of this year’s chosen research projects.
“Cheshire agriculture is entering a defining era that demands both robust financial strategies and innovative revenue diversification. In Claudia and Bethan, we have two exceptional young professionals who are actively seeking out international gold standards. By supporting their research, the John Platt Travel Scholarship is directly investing in the commercial sharpness, adaptability, and long-term competitiveness of our county’s rural economy.”
When they return from their travels, Bethan and Claudia will formally present their insights and actionable toolkits to the Cheshire Agricultural Society and local farming networks to ensure the knowledge is shared widely across the county.
