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Rural Vision
News article27 April 2023Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy

Boosting rural skills: ARIA23 Awards celebrates innovation in agriculture and rural development

The EU CAP Network has announced the launch of the Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2023, to celebrate the positive impact of CAP-funded projects on agriculture, rural areas, and communities, offering a platform to share best practices and inspire innovation. The awards offer opportunities to enhance peer-to-peer learning, facilitate knowledge transfer, promote the replication of benefits and build capacity among CAP stakeholders.

ARIA23 expands on the successes of the ENRD's Rural Inspiration Awards (RIA), covering the full breadth of the new CAP. Member State’s national networks are invited to put forward entries financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The awards have four thematic categories: Smart and competitive agriculture, Environmental protection, Socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and Rural stakeholder skills.

This year’s theme is “Boosting skills for agriculture and rural areas” and will give priority to project success stories that promote lifelong learning and support innovation and competitiveness in agriculture and rural areas, while contributing to the environmental and climate change objectives of the CAP, as well as advancing digital use.

A popular vote will be opened later this year for the public to nominate their most inspiring CAP-funded project from the shortlist of ARIA finalists, with the winners announced in December 2023. ARIA23 presents a unique opportunity to showcase and recognise impactful projects that contribute to the long-term vision for rural areas and the Rural Pact, while promoting skills development and sustainability in agriculture and rural communities.