• This year's awards will be framed within the theme "Shaping Tomorrow Together", to emphasize projects that promote generational change.
• The awards consist of 4 categories and 2 additional awards
• The aim of the awards is to highlight good practices developed within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

With the aim of continuing to recognize exemplary initiatives in the agricultural and rural sectors, the European CAP Network (EU CAP Network) has launched the third edition of the Agrarian and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2025. This year's theme is "Shaping tomorrow together," a message that focuses on "generational change" and seeks projects that actively involve young people in shaping the future of rural communities.

Once again this year, the awards will recognize projects funded by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) . Candidate initiatives must contribute to strengthening food security, environmental resilience, and the socioeconomic fabric of rural areas.

Categories and prizes

The submitted works must fall into one of the four main categories:

1. Competitive and smart agriculture : for projects that support an innovative, resilient agricultural sector that is prepared to guarantee long-term food security.
2. Environmental protection : aimed at proposals that promote sustainability, biodiversity, or action against climate change.
3. Socioeconomic fabric of rural areas : for initiatives that promote the social and economic development of rural areas, whether through innovation, entrepreneurship, or digitalization.
4. Generational change : a category that recognizes the importance of facilitating the incorporation of new generations of young people into the countryside, thus ensuring the future of rural areas.

In addition to the awards per category, two additional prizes will be awarded:

• Popular Vote Award: The public will select one of the 24 finalists through online voting.
• Gender Equality Award: The jury will evaluate initiatives that contribute to reducing inequalities between women and men in the rural and agricultural sector.

Submission of applications

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Spanish CAP Network , either by email to redpac@mapa.es or to the corresponding regional office in each autonomous community. Applications sent directly to the European CAP Network will not be accepted.

To participate, interested parties must complete an application form in Word format, available in both English and Spanish. This form is accompanied by an explanatory guide and a document with frequently asked questions to facilitate submission. Applications may be submitted in either language.

All documentation is available on the PAC Network website , where you can also consult the brochure with the finalist projects from the previous edition, ARIA 2024 , for reference and inspiration.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, July 4, at 11:59 p.m.

Spain at the 2024 ARIA Awards

In last year's edition, the La-Junquera farm (Murcia) was nominated by the European CAP Network in the "Environmental Protection" category, given that its project focuses on the implementation of regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices , while offering educational and business opportunities to young people in rural areas.

Ultimately, La Junquera didn't take home the coveted award, but did receive a special mention in its category. Thus, after the winners of this category received the trophy—which went to a Finnish agricultural plastics recycling project—La Junquera was called up to the stage to collect a diploma accrediting the honor and to be photographed in the moment. This distinction distinguished them, along with the winners, above the four remaining semifinalists.

Last year, the PAC Network received 20 projects, of which 8 were selected to be submitted to Brussels.