Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2026 (ARIA) | Awards for innovative rural projects

The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2026 (ARIA) launch their fourth edition to recognise the most outstanding projects funded under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and implemented at local level, contributing to more sustainable, innovative, inclusive and resilient rural areas.

The 2026 edition focuses on gender equality, highlighting projects that empower women in rural areas, support entrepreneurship and promote equal opportunities in farming communities.

Categories

ARIA 2026 includes the following categories:

• Smart and competitive agriculture
• Environmental protection
• Socio-economic fabric of rural areas
• Gender equality

In addition, two special awards will be granted:

• Popular Vote award, decided through online voting
• Generational Renewal award, recognising projects that engage young people and create quality rural employment

Why participate?

Participation in ARIA offers:

• European-level visibility for selected projects
• Recognition as a best practice in rural development
• Networking opportunities with key stakeholders
• Contribution to sharing best practices across Europe

Who can apply?

Projects funded under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and implemented at local level, contributing to rural development and aligned with the call objectives.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact their relevant National Network to submit their project, taking into account that each network may set its own internal deadlines.

The deadline for submitting applications is June 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications must be sent to the following email address: [email protected] or to your local regional office.

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

Application deadline: June 21, 2026.

More information in the official ARIA 2026 call.