Impact Funding Resources
The theme of ARIA this year focuses on ‘Generational renewal’ and projects that sustain rural economies and actively involve young people in shaping the future of rural communities.
The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA), is searching out the greenest, smartest, most socially inclusive, innovative and resilient projects funded under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and implemented at the local level.
This year’s competition will continue to spotlight projects funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and/or the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).
The Awards promote food security, environmental resilience and the socio-economic fabric of rural areas. Additionally, a special Gender Equality Award will be given to a project that contributes to gender equality.
The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA), is searching out the greenest, smartest, most socially inclusive, innovative and resilient projects funded under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and implemented at the local level.
This year’s competition will continue to spotlight projects funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and/or the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).
The Awards promote food security, environmental resilience and the socio-economic fabric of rural areas. Additionally, a special Gender Equality Award will be given to a project that contributes to gender equality.
End Date22 Jul 2025 Funding AmountN/A Funding Resource TypeVisibility
Funding ProviderEU CAP Network
Visibility
EU CAP Network
The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA), is searching out the greenest, smartest, most socially inclusive, innovative and resilient projects funded under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and implemented at the local level.
This year’s competition will continue to spotlight projects funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and/or the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).
The Awards promote food security, environmental resilience and the socio-economic fabric of rural areas. Additionally, a special Gender Equality Award will be given to a project that contributes to gender equality.
ARIA 2025 Guidelines and entry template
https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-04/eu-cap-network-ARIA-2025-guidelines-entry-template_0.docx
A) Categories
1) Smart & competitive agriculture
CAP-funded projects that contribute to a smart, competitive, resilient, and diversified agricultural sector, ensuring long-term food security.
2) Environmental protection
CAP-funded projects that enhance environmental sustainability, address climate change, support biodiversity, and contribute to green recovery.
3) Socio-economic fabric of rural areas
CAP-funded projects that strengthen the economic resilience of rural Europe, address social inclusion in innovative ways, support digitalisation in farming and empower rural entrepreneurs and businesses.
4) Generational Renewal
CAP-funded projects that help ensure vibrant rural communities by engaging young people while developing their skills and creating high-quality rural jobs.
B) Special awards
In addition to the main category winners, two additional awards will be presented:
1) The ‘Popular Vote’ award
The Popular Vote award will be decided by the public through an online voting system.
2) The ‘Gender Equality’ award
The Gender Equality award will be decided by the jury and will be awarded to the shortlisted project that makes significant strides in advancing gender equality in rural areas.
If you are interested, please contact your Network to inform them about your project and interest in participating in ARIA. Keep in mind that each National Network may have a distinct deadline for submitting projects, so make sure to apply on time.
https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/national-networks_en
