The Galway Wool Co-op was singled out as a ‘Highly Commended Project’ at the EU CAP Network’s Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2024 in Brussels this week.
The ARIA awards, now in its sixth year, were set up to acknowledge the greenest, smartest, most socially inclusive, innovative and resilient European projects which embody best practices within the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) framework.
The Galway Wool Co-op and Farm Carbon EIP, both nominated by CAP Network Ireland, were among the 24 project finalists identified from over 100 competing entries from across Europe.
The Galway Wool Co-op was the only nominee successful to win the ‘Highly Commended Project’ title in the ‘Socio-Economic Fabric of Rural Areas’ category.
This category highlighted sustainable projects which have made a significant contribution to strengthening the economic resilience of rural Europe.
The Galway Wool Co-op
Galway wool, which was established in 2019, was set up to restore the farm-gate value of Irish wool, promote the indigenous Galway sheep breed and establish a transparent supply chain for the sector.
The farmer-led co-operative, which now comprises over 60 flocks, is the first of its kind in Ireland, aspiring to bridge the gap between the flailing market price of wool and the thriving woolen industry in the country.
It has successfully raised the revenue for its wool producers from the national average of €0.15/kg to €2.50/kg, as well as improving the overall quality standards of the breeding stock.
It received funding under the LEADER programme in 2021 towards the development of a website, which acts as the Co-op’s E-commerce Marketplace and Trading Platform, as well as promotional materials, which has enhanced its impact nationally.
Not only has it raised the economic value of the commodity, which has typically been referred to as waste byproduct of the lamb and sheep meet industry, it has also helped restore the cultural heritage of the Irish wool industry.
“We were honored to receive high commendation in Brussels for our inclusion in the EU ARIA shortlist for The Socio Fabric of Rural Areas.
“Together, we are creating a sustainable farm-to-yarn supply chain with unrivaled provenance dating back over 100 years,” a spokesperson for the co-op said, after winning the award.
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, in his opening remarks, said:
“These awards celebrate the green, innovative, and inclusive CAP projects shaping rural Europe at a local level. I fully support this year’s ARIA focus on ‘Empowering young people,’ an issue I’ll champion throughout my mandate, starting with the upcoming Youth Policy Dialogue.”
The awards ceremony, which took place on November 4, highlighted the six winners, five selected by a jury of the network’s stakeholders and one chosen through an online Popular Vote.
The winners were as follows:
- Smart & Competitive Agriculture: Iris: the true scent of Tuscany, Italy;
- Environmental Protection: Recycling Farm Plastics, Finland;
- Socio-Economic Fabric of Rural Areas: The little conserve factory, France;
- Rural Youth: Open farms, rural connections, Italy;
- The Gender Equality Award: FRAU iDA – Space for women entrepreneurs, Austria;
- The Popular Vote Award: Authentic honey meets DNA technology, Estonia.