The European CAP Network (EU CAP Network) has launched the fourth edition of the “Agrarian and Rural Inspiration Awards” (ARIA) 2026. In this new call for proposals, the motto chosen is 'When equality drives the next generation', a message that focuses on women's leadership and seeks projects that promote gender equality in agriculture and rural areas.
Once again, the awards will distinguish between projects financed by the common agricultural policy (CAP) through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF). The candidate initiatives should contribute to strengthening food security, environmental resilience and the socio-economic fabric of rural areas.
Categories and awards
The papers submitted should fall into one of the four main categories:
- Competitive and intelligent agriculture: for projects committed to an innovative, resilient and prepared agricultural sector to ensure food security in the long term.
- Environmental protection: aimed at proposals that favour sustainability, biodiversity or action against climate change.
- Socio-economic fabric of rural areas: for initiatives that promote the social and economic development of rural areas, whether through innovation, entrepreneurship or digitalisation.
- Gender equality: the jury will assess initiatives that contribute to reducing inequalities between women and men in the rural and agricultural sectors.
In addition to the category awards, two additional awards that are considered " Special Awards " will be awarded:
People's Vote Award: the public will select one of the 24 finalists by means of an online vote.
Generational relief prize: the jury will evaluate, among the 24 initiatives presented, those that contribute to the incorporation of new generations of young people into the countryside, thus ensuring the future of the rural environment.
Submission of nominations
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Spanish CAP Network, either by e-mail to redpac@mapa.es or to the territorial antenna of each Autonomous Community. Applications submitted directly to the European CAP Network will not be accepted.
The deadline for submitting nominations ends on 21 June at 23:59 hours.