• The aim of the awards is to identify and highlight good practice cases developed under the CAP umbrella to facilitate the exchange of agricultural and rural knowledge.
• The shortlist will be announced in November and will compete for one of the five awards next December in Brussels.

The ARIA 2023 Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards , the successor to the Rural Inspiration Awards , have already lined up their contenders to receive their awards from the European CAP Network . The CAP Network in Spain has been responsible for selecting the best projects submitted in each category and, as such, has encouraged participation and reviewed the applications to be sent to the European Union.

This year's theme is "Boosting skills for agriculture and rural areas" , as 2023 is the "European Year of Skills" . The projects presented draw on the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ( EAFRD ) and/or the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund ( EAGF ) , and are in line with the values and objectives promoted by the European Union's Long - Term Vision for Rural Areas and the Rural Pact .

Thus, following the evaluation of the applications received by the PAC Network, the Spanish projects selected to compete in the European awards — according to the four thematic categories — are:

1. Environmental protection

a. FruitCARE – Replacement of PPPs in stone fruit, soft fruit and table grapes (Murcia Region) .

She pursues the establishment of phytosanitary/pesticide substitution programs for stone fruit, berries, and table grapes. Her work allows for broad application of the results to diverse geographical contexts.

b. “Mycorrhiza” innovation team: Cultivation and application of native mycorrhiza for horticultural production in La Rioja (La Rioja) .

The project has used natural solutions to improve horticultural production and combat climate change, reducing chemical use to 0% and creating a replicable method for rural areas.

2. Socioeconomic fabric of rural areas

a. “Strengthening ties”, promotion of local products and trade (Andalusia) .

The results have strengthened connections between local producers and merchants , identifying and promoting the consumption of artisanal and local products. They have also boosted the use of new technologies to promote local products and businesses.

b. Regional cooperation project “+Companies +Employment +Rural” (Castilla y León) .

Eleven Local Action Groups (LAGs) in the area have worked and continue to work together to improve employment and entrepreneurship, highlighting job opportunities and promoting sustainable development in rural areas. They thus contribute to the revitalization and promotion of the labor market through information, advice, and monitoring aimed at the unemployed, entrepreneurs, and businesses. They also have a rural employment platform.

3. Skills of rural stakeholders

a. Andalusian Phytosanitary Information and Alert Network (RAIF) (Andalusia) .

Through the network, information about crop management is transferred, allowing farmers to monitor their crop data and technicians to process the information. This improves decision-making in different areas of Andalusia, offering alternatives and optimizing certain practices such as the use of phytosanitary products, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.

b. Belacolmea: natural cosmetics for improving the viability of beekeeping farms (Galicia) .

These natural cosmetics are an example of rural development and ecological balance. They increase the professionalization of the sector thanks to new, high-value-added products. They also diversify beekeeping production in rural areas.

4. Smart and competitive agriculture

a. GO Phytovid: Optimization of the use of phytosanitary products in viticulture based on vigor maps (Catalonia) .

This innovation project has demonstrated that reducing chemical pesticide use is possible by combining training and technology. Furthermore, the practices are aligned with the Farm to Fork Strategy.

b. Bioterreta, agricultural custody (Valencian Community)

This project provides a land stewardship service for owners, farmers, and ranchers who no longer wish to continue operating their farms. This promotes generational renewal and creates jobs in the region.

Along with these categories, a Popular Vote Award will be awarded through an online vote. For the finals, the European CAP Network will evaluate all the projects received from the European national networks of the different Member States during the month of September . These projects are developed within the context of the CAP and serve as inspiration and peer learning, fostering the exchange of results among CAP stakeholders.

In November, the organization will announce the 24 shortlisted finalists from among all the projects submitted by the European National Networks. The process will culminate with a final ceremony in Brussels next December , where the five winners will be announced (one per category and a popular vote).

2022 Edition

Still known as the “Rural Inspiration Awards,” in 2022 the awards featured a Spanish finalist in the “Digital Futures” category: the Museos Vivos- Living Museums project from Castile and León, Galicia, and the Czech Republic, as it is a rural project that includes innovation and new technologies in its development.