News

• The “Mutur Beltz” and “Poultree” projects become European benchmarks for rural innovation in the third edition of the European competition

• The PAC Network selected eight Spanish projects to compete in Brussels: three reached the final and two achieved the highest European recognition

The 2025 European Rural and Agricultural Inspiration (ARIA) Awards , organized by the EU CAP Network , were held on December 3rd, for the seventh consecutive year, under the theme "Designing Tomorrow Together," focusing on generational renewal and the role of young people in the future of rural areas. The competition aims to recognize projects that transform rural areas and contribute to the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Applications could only be submitted through the CAP National Networks; in the case of Spain, through the CAP Network . Projects had to be financed by the CAP through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ( EAFRD ) and/or the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund ( EAGF ).

This summer, the CAP Network selected eight projects to represent Spain in the ARIA 2025. Of these, three have been chosen as European finalists by the European CAP Network, after evaluating more than 120 applications and finally selecting 24 projects at the European level.

Winners

The PAC Network traveled to Brussels with the three selected projects to witness the awards ceremony live. Thanks to this, we were able to celebrate the success of “Mutur Beltz” and “Poultree,” which were winners in their respective categories.

• “ Poultree ” - Extremadura

• Category: Environmental protection

• Funding: EAGF

A pioneering regenerative livestock project that combines cattle and poultry farming using rotational grazing with virtual fencing and mobile coops. It improves soil fertility, biodiversity, and animal welfare. It has restored over 190 hectares, increased vegetation cover by 65%, and trained more than 1,000 professionals.

• “ Mutur Beltz ” - Basque Country

• Category: Rural socio-economic fabric

• Funding: EAFRD

“Mutur Beltz” works to recover the black-faced Carranzana sheep, an endangered native breed. Through educational, cultural, and productive activities, the project has woven a rural collaboration network with a strong local identity. It transforms wool , once considered waste, into handcrafted design products. In fact, it has recovered more than 5,000 kg of wool, created networks of rural women, and received 25 national and international awards.

This double award confirms the innovative potential of the national agricultural sector and its commitment to sustainability and economic diversification in rural areas. With this victory, “Mutur Beltz” and “Poultree” become examples of best practices for all of Europe.

Eight Spanish projects in the European race

Spain's participation in this edition began with the selection of eight initiatives by the CAP Network, all aligned with the CAP's objectives and committed to innovation in rural areas. These included projects focused on regenerative agriculture, digitalization, biodiversity, the circular economy, and gender equality in rural areas, according to the competition's four categories. Three of these proposals reached the final stage, consolidating Spain's presence on the European stage.

Find more information about the projects and Spanish participation on the CAP Network website. We also have the winners' statements immediately after they received their awards, which you can find at the following link .