• The objective is to recognize innovative projects developed by women in rural areas and actions that recognize their fundamental role in the territory.
• The awards are presented in four categories: excellence for innovation in agricultural activity, aquaculture and fishing, diversification of economic activity, and communication.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ( MAPA ) published this Friday, March 8, in the Official State Gazette , coinciding with International Women's Day , the extract of the call for the 15th edition of the 'Excellence Awards for Innovation for Rural Women' , corresponding to the year 2024.

The Ministry thus demonstrates its commitment to policies that promote gender equality, facilitate young women's access to agricultural activity , and foster economic diversification in rural areas, all of which contribute to halting the depopulation of rural areas.

These awards are offered in four categories: Excellence for innovation in agricultural activity, in fishing or aquaculture, in the diversification of rural economic activity, and in communication. In each category, three initiatives will be recognized, with first, second, and third prizes of €18,000, €12,000, and €7,500, respectively.

In addition, an extraordinary honorary award will be presented for "Special Recognition for Career Support for Women in Rural Areas and Rural Fishing Areas."

The deadline for submitting applications is April 8.

Since 2010, MAPA has held these awards annually to highlight the work and life projects of women in rural areas, as well as the essential work they do to maintain and revitalize these territories, by recognizing innovative projects and initiatives.

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The 'Excellence for Innovation in Agricultural Activity' and 'Excellence for Innovation in Aquaculture and Fishing Activity' awards will recognize the best projects utilizing agricultural, livestock, or forestry technologies, or, in the latter case, fishing, aquaculture, and other complementary technologies from the fishing sector that contribute to the advancement of sustainable activity, efficient in obtaining quality products, and that simultaneously respond to consumer demand and integrate marketing and promotion strategies.

The 'Excellence for Innovation in the Diversification of Economic Activity in Rural Areas' award recognizes the best projects that, in addition to promoting this, are linked to the agri-food industry, the provision of services to agriculture and forestry, social integration, and tourism activities that foster new economic sectors or generate employment in rural areas.

The "Excellence in Communication" award recognizes the best work in this field that has contributed to disseminating women's work in rural areas or rural fishing areas.

Finally, the 'Special Recognition for Career Support for Women in Rural Areas and Rural Fishing Areas' is an extraordinary award and is aimed at women or organizations that have played a prominent role in supporting, promoting, and enhancing women in these fields.