The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) is an annual competition organised by the EU CAP Network to recognise inspiring and forward-thinking projects that are shaping the future of rural Europe, supported by funding from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

National Networks face the challenging but essential task of selecting and submitting good practice projects from their respective Member States.

Every year, more than 100 applications are received, and once evaluated, 24 inspiring projects are shortlisted to compete for an award in one of the thematic categories related to the main objectives of the CAP. Additionally, the Popular Vote Award allows stakeholders to vote for their favourite project.

The competition was originally launched in 2019 as the Rural Inspiration Awards (RIA) by the European Network for Rural Development. Since then, it has become a significant annual event for all our stakeholders and, from 2023 onwards, evolved into ARIA, now organised by the EU CAP Network.

For more information on how to submit applications for ARIA, please contact your National Network.

Find out more about all ARIA editions and be inspired by the finalists and their stories below.