Network to innovate: Beyond Farming - Creative Rural Businesses

Launched in 2019 as the Rural Inspiration Awards (RIA) by the European Network for Rural Development, the competition has grown into a key annual highlight for rural development stakeholders across Europe. Since 2023, it has evolved into the Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA), continuing to celebrate fresh ideas and meaningful impact in rural areas.

From the very beginning, the Rural Networks of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Poland have actively contributed a wide range of nominees each year. Some have reached the finals — and even taken home awards — while others have remained outside the spotlight.

This workshop puts the spotlight on projects that have remained under the radar. Not because they lack creativity or ambition, but often because their value is not always captured by awards alone. Some of these initiatives have been developing steadily over the years, while others have been implemented rapidly in response to immediate needs. Together, they demonstrate meaningful impact in their communities in ways that deserve closer attention.

PRESENTATIONS:

The story of the "Pupuchi" brand - Zanda Ozola, Co-Funder of Ltd.Pupuchi. Pupuchi is a Latvian company creating healthy, innovative snacks from legumes, with a focus on roasted beans. Their recent project mechanized the production of their sweet bean line, introducing a combined caramelization and glazing machine that enables consistent quality and efficient production. Working with scientists from the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Pupuchi developed new snack recipes, expanding their product range and boosting sales. The project showcases how innovation and technology can transform traditional legumes into unique, high-quality snacks.

Natural & Functional. Cooperation fuel motivation - Karol Jaworski - a consortium member. The IsoDrop project developed a fully natural isotonic drink made from locally sourced fruit juices, combining innovation in food production with support for local value chains. The product uses only natural ingredients and scientifically optimized osmolality for effective hydration, with over 70 prototypes tested to achieve the best flavour combinations. A key innovation is a mobile processing unit that enables on-farm production, allowing farmers to create and sell the drink locally, increasing added value and shortening supply chains. The project has been recognized as a best practice in agri-food innovation and won the main prize at the AgriVenture Finland 2025 competition.

Ilmatar Airplane Lodge – Accommodation Experience in an Old Passenger Airplane - Mandi Moisio. Ilmatar Airplane Lodge is a unique accommodation concept in Central Finland, where five young entrepreneurs transformed a decommissioned SAAB 340B passenger plane into a high-quality lodging and event venue. The aircraft, relocated to a hilltop in Uurainen, now hosts up to 10 guests and features distinctive elements such as a cockpit suite, onboard sauna, and aviation-themed interiors. The project combines creativity with rural entrepreneurship, offering an immersive experience where guests can interact with original aircraft features. In its first year, the lodge attracted over 1,000 visitors from more than 20 countries, establishing itself as a standout destination in Finland’s tourism sector.

Mud Month Festival – Celebrating Northwest Estonia. Mud Month Festival is a lively, month-long celebration of Northwest Estonia’s culture, nature, and community spirit. Held every October, the festival brings together over 100 local tourism and culture providers from Haapsalu to Tallinn, offering hikes, concerts, workshops, fairs, theatre, and quirky highlights like the famous “Welly Disco.” The festival strengthens regional cooperation, promotes off-season tourism, and showcases Northwest Estonia as a vibrant destination. Through shared experiences, participants gain new skills, build partnerships, and deepen their connection to the region, all while enjoying the rich local culture and natural beauty.