The winners of the Rural Inspiration Awards were announced on the evening of 11 April during a nail-biting ceremony hosted by Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, at ‘networX – Inspiring Rural Europe’.

These awards recognise the most inspiring initiatives funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) demonstrating the contribution of Rural Development policy towards a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable rural Europe. The 2019 winners are:

• Improving the competitiveness of rural areas: AGROBERRY
• Environment and climate action: Kowalski Farm
• Rural revitalisation: Kuitua Pohjoiseen
• Social inclusion: Enerterre
• LEADER/CLLD: Tiges Chavées
• Popular Vote: Zeitgeist-Enns

An expert jury selected a winner for each of the five categories from the overall list of 25 nominees. The Popular Vote winner was selected by online voting. Check out these fantastic examples for yourself and get inspired!