The second edition of the Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards under this year’s theme “empowering young people” have opened for submissions.
The awards celebrate the greenest, smartest, most socially inclusive, innovative and resilient Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) projects implemented at local levels.
Submissions can be made in the following categories: Smart and competitive agriculture; environmental protection; socio-economic fabric of rural areas; and rural youth.
All projects submitted must be CAP funded. Shortlisted projects will also be recognised by two further awards, the popular vote award and the gender equality award.
Categories
Under the agriculture category, projects are sought that contribute to a smart, competitive, resilient and diversified agricultural sector ensuring long-term food security.
Projects focused on environmental protection should strengthen biodiversity, tackle climate change, demonstrate sustainability and/or contribute to the green economy.
Also sought are projects that strengthen rural economies across Europe and demonstrate a sustainable approach to advancing digitalisation in farming and rural communities.
Projects that spotlight people under 40 years of age and help develop sustainable rural jobs accessible to young people can be submitted under the rural youth category.
The popular vote award will be decided by the public in an online vote. All shortlisted projects that actively include women will be eligible for the gender equality award.
Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards
This year’s competition will celebrate European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and/or European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) funded projects.
Applications must be submitted through national CAP networks across the EU. Irish entries can only be submitted directly via CAP Network Ireland before Friday, May 31.
Entries received will be screened, if required, by the EU CAP Network before the final submission in July. In total, 24 projects will be shortlisted before six winners will be announced.
The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2023 saw 92 entries from 20 EU member states. The five winning projects can be viewed on the EU CAP Network website.