16 de July de 2026
Innovación
Cambio climático y gestión de recursos naturales
Mujeres
Resiliencia y competitividad
The selected projects, from eight autonomous communities, will compete to become European benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and territorial development
The selected projects, from eight autonomous communities, will compete to become European benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and territorial development
The selected projects stand out for their contribution to environmental protection, gender equality, and the strengthening of the socio-economic fabric of rural areas.
The CAP Network has selected eight Spanish projects linked to agriculture, livestock, agri-food, environmental conservation, female entrepreneurship and the revitalization of rural areas to represent Spain in the 2026 edition of the ARIA Awards (Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards), organized by the European CAP Network .
As in previous editions, the CAP Network conducted a national selection process to identify the initiatives with the greatest potential to compete at the European level. The eight selected projects come from Galicia, the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Castile and León, Aragon, Extremadura, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community, and are distributed across three of the award categories: “ Environmental Protection,” “ Gender Equality,” and “ Socioeconomic Fabric of Rural Areas.” Following the recommendations of the European CAP Network, the applications initially submitted in the “ Competitive and Smart Agriculture” category were reassigned to other categories to better align with their focus.
The ARIA Awards, organized by the European CAP Network, showcase inspiring projects that contribute to addressing the challenges of rural areas through innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. The Spanish selection once again highlights the capacity of rural territories to generate benchmark initiatives with local impact and European reach.
Four Spanish projects are competing in the environmental protection category
Corripa Association : Biodiversity conservation from Galicia
The Galician association Corripa has been selected for its project "Fernando Fueyo Pollinator Garden" and "El Souto de Humboldt" , an initiative focused on ecological restoration and the conservation of rural biodiversity.
The project combines habitat improvement initiatives, citizen science, scientific monitoring, and outreach activities such as Science in the Village , involving the local population in understanding and protecting their natural environment. Thanks to collaboration with universities and environmental organizations, it has become a leading initiative in environmental education and community engagement in rural Galicia.
Location: Pena Da Nogueira, Lugo (Galicia.
La Jara Organic Farm : a pioneering organic livestock farm in the Canary Islands
From Tenerife, La Finca Ecológica La Jara , promoted by Pilar Carballo, represents one of the most outstanding projects of organic livestock farming in the Canary Islands.
The farm combines animal welfare and landscape-friendly farming practices with innovative economic diversification initiatives. Among these, its program forsponsoring native sheep stands out , bringing the community closer to livestock farming and supporting the farm's upkeep.
In addition, the farm carries out outreach and environmental education activities that help to highlight the role of extensive livestock farming as a tool for the conservation of the territory.
Location: Arafo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands).
Natives of the Sierro : regenerative agriculture in Andalusia
The Naturales del Sierro entity has been selected for its commitment to regenerative agriculture based on holistic management and planned grazing .
Their model aims to restore vegetation cover through organized livestock management that promotes the natural regeneration of ecosystems. This practice improves soil quality, increases stable organic matter, promotes carbon sequestration, and contributes to increased biodiversity.
The project is an example of how agricultural activity can be integrated into natural cycles to generate environmental and productive benefits simultaneously.
Location: Morón de la Frontera, Seville (Andalusia).
Your Veal at Home : Innovation and Sustainable Livestock Farming in León
The Tu Ternera en Casa initiative, located in the Omaña region (León), has managed to become a national benchmark for innovation in ecological and extensive livestock farming.
The project sells beef directly online, guaranteeing complete product traceability from farm to consumer. Its activities contribute to the conservation of native breeds, animal welfare, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Furthermore, it generates employment and economic activity in a region affected by depopulation, demonstrating the potential of digitalization to improve the competitiveness of rural farms. The initiative was recognized in the latest edition of the Excellence in Innovation Awards for Rural Women from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Location: Omaña region, León (Castilla y León).
Three initiatives focus on gender equality in rural areas
1. De Molina : female leadership and circular economy from Aragon
The family business De Molina , located in Caspe, represents an example of female entrepreneurship, agri-food innovation and circular economy.
Sisters Antonia and Concha Molina lead the third generation of a company that manages the entire value chain, from cultivation to the artisanal production of gourmet vegetable preserves. The project stands out for creating job opportunities for rural women and for transforming agri-food byproducts into new, high-value-added products.
The incorporation of renewable energies, biomass, efficient irrigation systems and technologies such as drones further reinforces its commitment to sustainability.
Location: Caspe, Zaragoza (Aragon).
2. LIDER-ESAS Alagón Valley : female entrepreneurship in Extremadura
Powered by ADESVAL (Association for the Development of the Alagón Valley), the LIDER-ESAS Alagón Valley project was created to strengthen the role of women entrepreneurs and businesswomen in the rural environment of Extremadura.
The initiative has fostered the creation of collaborative networks, the development of new business projects, and the strengthening of existing businesses. Its impact was so significant that it led to the creation of a specific association that continues to support the participating women.
The program has established itself as a benchmark in women's empowerment and rural development in the province of Cáceres.
Location: Alagón Valley, Cáceres (Extremadura).
3. Ribero SAT: innovation and female leadership in Catalonia
Ribero SAT has transformed a conventional agricultural holding into a company specializing in the production of natural food for small mammals.
The project integrates the various phases of the value chain and has focused on modernizing facilities and digitizing processes. Alongside this business evolution, female leadership stands out as a driving force behind the initiative and its growth.
Experience shows how innovation and professionalization can open up new economic opportunities in rural areas.
Location: Gerb, Lleida (Catalonia).
Rural socio-economic fabric: cooperation to build community
1. Atzeneta Cooperative , an example of rural revitalization from the Valencian Community
The Socioeconomic Fabric of Rural Areas category will have Spanish representation through the Atzeneta Cooperative , located in the mountainous interior of the province of Castellón.
The organization has promoted a comprehensive rural development model that combines agricultural activity, entrepreneurship, energy transition, and services aimed at the local population. Its key achievements include the creation of stable employment, the establishment of a local energy community, and improved care for the elderly.
Their experience demonstrates how cooperation between local actors can help curb depopulation and generate new economic and social opportunities in rural areas.
Location: Atzeneta del Maestrat, Castellón (Valencian Community).
Spain once again demonstrates the innovative potential of its rural areas
The eight selected projects reflect the diversity of initiatives that are transforming rural Spain through environmental sustainability, female leadership, business innovation and territorial cooperation.
They will now be evaluated within the framework of the ARIA Awards 2026 , where they will compete alongside nominations from other European Union Member States. Their selection by the CAP Network already constitutes recognition of the work carried out in their territories and an opportunity to showcase inspiring examples of rural development driven from Spain at a European level.
More information: coming soon to the European CAP Network and CAP Network information channels.