Since 2010, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAPA) has held the annual Excellence Awards for Innovation for Rural Women to give a voice and a light to women who choose to be proactive agents in rural areas . The event, held on October 16, 2019, was opened by the acting Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAPA) , Luis Planas, who highlighted the work of women and the role they play in the region, expressing a clear commitment to policies that promote gender equality and promote young people's access to the agricultural sector .

In the tenth edition, a total of 150,000 euros have been awarded to four of the five award-winning categories , representing a very important aid that aims to promote the development of this type of projects and stimulate business initiatives in rural areas , contributing to the diversification of economic activity , recognising effort and work, and promoting entrepreneurship in the territory .

Sandra Sabatés , awarded for her recognition of the work done by her section “Mujer Tenía Que Ser” on the television program “El Intermedio” , was the first to receive the Honorary Award , thanking for the award and vindicating the role played by the television media in being a loudspeaker and giving visibility to so many women .

The Communication Award went to María Blasco Lázaro and her radio program "24/7 Siempre Alerta," recognizing her work in reporting on how emergency teams work in rural areas. The goal is to raise awareness about risk culture and honor the work of emergency teams.

In the Excellence Award for Innovation for the Diversification of Economic Activity , the winners were Levinred Wine Cosmetics , a personal commitment to living in the land of their ancestors and vindicating the work carried out in the vineyards ; the El Avío Association , for its social catering ; and Natursnacks , where dehydrated fruit and vegetable snacks are made from high-quality, seasonal raw materials .

The EntreSetas project, by Nazaret Mateos ; the consultancy firm a3Ceres Asesoría Agroalimentaria ; and Lydia Domínguez , from Aires del Apartadero , were the three winners in the Excellence for Innovation in Agricultural Activity category. The projects stand out for their innovation in production methods , scientific research to improve the nutritional quality of the crop, and the introduction of organic farming in crops such as blackberries .

Finally, in the category of Excellence for Innovation in Fishing or Aquaculture Activities , all three awards went to the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The artisanal canning company Curricán took first prize, for being a company conceived and run by women in Xove, which, in addition to offering different varieties of preserves and fish, offers prepared dishes typical of Galician gastronomy , using raw materials from artisanal and sustainable fishing methods . The A Pastoriza Guild and the San Antonio Fishermen's Guild took second prize for their project to implement a technological tool that allows for efficient and safe monitoring of shellfish gatherers' attendance . And finally, the third prize went to the Galician Federation of Artisanal Redeiras or Peirao for the defense of the interests of net makers, as well as the search for new employment alternatives .

At the closing ceremony, the Vice President of the Government and Acting Minister of the Presidency, Parliamentary Relations and Equality, Carmen Calvo, closed the awards ceremony, highlighting the firm commitment to achieving real equality of opportunity between men and women , as well as the promotion of policies aimed at the rural world , where formulas for life and future projects can be found.

The award winners' statements will be available to view and listen to on the National Rural Network's YouTube channel .