The European CAP Network has announced the second edition of the ARIA Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards , with a few new features. This year's theme is " empowering youth ."

These awards focus on good practices funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and/or the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) that promote food security, environmental resilience, and the socioeconomic fabric of rural areas.

Applications can only be submitted through the PAC Network and projects must fall into one of the following four categories :

• Competitive and smart agriculture,
• Environmental protection,
• Socioeconomic fabric of rural areas, and
• Rural youth (new category).

In addition to the category award and the popular vote award, this year there will be a new award for projects that promote gender equality in any of the four categories.

At the following link , you can download the application in Word format to complete and send to the PAC Network to participate in these awards. This document also includes the instructions and criteria for submitting your application. Below, you can find this document, as well as another document with answers to frequently asked questions .

More information here .

The deadline for receiving applications is July 5 .

Email for submitting applications: redpac@mapa.es .

All applications must be submitted through the Spanish CAP Network and NOT directly to the European CAP Network.

If you have any questions, you can contact the PAC Network or your local branch .