In this 2019 edition, three awards were presented in each of the categories: "Excellence for Innovation in Agricultural Activity ," "Excellence for Innovation in Fishing or Aquaculture ," and "Excellence for Innovation in the Diversification of Rural Economic Activity ." Additionally, one award was given in the "Excellence for Communication " category and one " Extraordinary Award ."

Since 2010, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA ) has held these awards annually with the aim of highlighting the work of rural women in diversifying economic activity and entrepreneurial activities in the region.

This year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAPA) has awarded the "Excellence Awards for Innovation for Rural Women," recognizing the work of eleven women linked to rural areas. The awards will be presented by the acting Minister, Luis Planas, at a gala ceremony to be held on October 16 at the Atocha headquarters.

EXCELLENCE FOR INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY

1. EntreSetas . Nazaret Mateos is the owner and manager of a 3-hectare farm dedicated to the organic cultivation of gourmet mushrooms . The project stands out for its innovative production methods, aimed at achieving a near-zero environmental impact and producing a quality product.
2. A3Ceres Asesoría Agroalimentaria, a women-founded agrifood consultancy focused on implementing agrifood projects with a high social impact and environmental protection. Its project focuses on the organic cultivation of Moringa Oleífera in the Canary Islands , as well as scientific research to improve the crop's nutritional quality.
3. Lydia Domínguez Tejera , for the Aires del Apartadero project. Lydia is the only certified organic raspberry and blackberry producer in the Canary Islands . The farm where she grows her products, located in Tenerife, includes a cave adapted to improve fruit handling.

EXCELLENCE FOR INNOVATION IN FISHING OR AQUACULTURE ACTIVITY

1. Curricán Artisanal Canned Food is a company conceived and run by women in Xove, a town of fewer than 8,000 inhabitants on the coast of Lugo. In addition to offering different varieties of canned fish and seafood hand-packed in glass , they also offer prepared dishes typical of Galician cuisine. They use raw materials from artisanal, selective, and sustainable fishing methods.
2. Fishermen's Guild "A Pastoriza" , from Vilanova de Arousa, for its project to implement the Xesmar technological tool, which allows for efficient and safe control of shellfish harvesters' attendance at scheduled work and facilitates internal communications.
3. The Galician Federation of Artisan Net Makers (O Peirao ) is a non-profit organization that unites the Galician net makers community to dignify the profession and raise its profile . Defending the interests of net makers and seeking new employment opportunities are two of its main objectives.

EXCELLENCE FOR INNOVATION IN THE DIVERSIFICATION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN RURAL AREAS

1. El Avío Association , for its social catering project. This initiative was launched in November 2010 to fill the gap in dining services at preschools and home-delivered meals for the elderly or dependent. It operates in the rural area of Campo de Gibraltar.
2. Levinred Wine Cosmetics , from Levinred Sociedad Cooperativa Gallega , is a personal commitment by two young women to live in the land of their ancestors and vindicate the work they did in their vineyards. Located in the Galician municipality of Leiro, they use traditional wine from the Ribeiro region , cultivated by hand, to create natural cosmetic products.
3. Natursnacks , from the Spanish Dehydrated Foods company. This project consists of the production of dehydrated fruit and vegetable snacks , using quality, seasonal raw materials, purchased directly from national farmers or cooperatives.

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION

The award in this category recognized the work of María Blasco Lázaro on her radio program "24/7 Always Alert. Learn how emergency teams work in rural areas." This weekly radio program is produced by an interdisciplinary team of four women, with the goal of reporting on emergencies, natural hazards, the environment, and rural development. The program aims to raise public awareness about risk culture and honor the work of emergency teams. The program covers five districts of Zaragoza.

EXTRAORDINARY AWARD

In this edition, the extraordinary award went to Sandra Sabatés , journalist and television presenter, for her section "Mujer tenía que ser" (Woman had to be), within the program "El Intermedio" on La Sexta TV.