Max Bauer made Chevalier du Mérite Agricole

In a relaxed atmosphere, the unionist and parks and gardens business manager welcomed around a hundred people, his friends and colleagues, his family, and personalities including Jean-Pierre Giran, mayor of Hyères, Christian Simon, mayor of La Crau, Nathalie Werquin, representing Stéphane Rambaud, MP for the 3rd constituency of Var, Father Louis Marie, former parish priest of the parish of La Garde, and his successor Father Alain, and Marc Long, president of the SICA.

MORAL DUTIES

Addressing the recipient and without seeking to praise the excellent work of his friend, Marc Allouch, former president of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole of Var, recalled their common roots: "We both come from the North, I mean from North Africa, of course! You from Morocco, from the white city of Casablanca, and me from Algiers the White, and we unpacked our bags in this magnificent department of Var (...)." He added: "Being a member of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole, as for the Légion d'honneur or the Mérite national, does not confer any material rights but moral duties. We must be examples for everyone around us and for the young generation that will succeed us." "Through your commitment, your work, your results, and for everything you bring to horticulture and the agricultural world, you will join the list of famous people who have received this distinction: Louis Pasteur, Jean Rochefort, Isabelle Mergault, Michel Serrault, Jean Carmet, Catherine Deneuve, Prince Charles (now King of England), and the Prince de Monaco." He could have also added the late Michel Blanc, who has just left us.

HUMANIST CULTURE

It was therefore Jean-Louis Masson who had the honor of presenting the precious distinction as well as the diploma, as Jean-Louis Masson and Max Bauer know each other well, very well even. In a poignant speech, the president of the Département confessed: "It is an immense honor to present you with this emeritus distinction. I know your career, marked by absolute and tireless dedication, as Var and agriculture are closely linked. Farmers know this well, having placed their trust in you for over twenty years." The president recalled that the unionist was behind the creation of the association Allo Agri, which helps overcome the distress of farmers, and that his commitment is based not only on union reasons but also on humanist commitments as a practicing Catholic. A humanist culture focused on others. Then, Jean-Pierre Giran remembered Max Bauer's crossing of the desert when many people had distanced themselves from him: "I do not forget the difficulties you went through." And Christian Simon added: "You are one of the people who taught me a lot about agriculture, especially during long conversations at the Bar de la Moutonne. I worked a lot with you. Sometimes we took different paths, but I congratulate you on the work you have done for agriculture in Var."

Speaking last, the new medalist wanted to pay tribute to all those who helped him: "The presentation of the Mérite Agricole medal crowns twenty years of volunteering in the service of others, because I am sensitive to the misfortune of others by defending files with determination and conviction in the general interest. I will be proud to wear it. If I told you otherwise, I would be a liar. However, I must remain humble and show humility. When I look at it, I see four parts. The pin, attached to my suit, makes me sensitive to the people who allowed me to obtain it, Françoise, Jean Louis, Dany, Marc, and, obviously, Marc Fesneau, the Minister of Agriculture. The ribbon also symbolizes my wife, with our 42 years of marriage, including 20 years of support in my commitments. Which has not always been easy for her, my family, and my loved ones. The front side is for all of you. Thanks to you, it can shine. And, the reverse side touches my heart. The heart, symbol of love, representing generosity, sharing, frankness, courage, and passion. The heart is also spirituality! I am a Christian. But may it beat as long as possible in good health, for other missions." In conclusion, Max Bauer had a thought for those who could not come. Sometimes with apologies accompanied by an extremely touching note. Thus: "Hi Max! I won't be able to make myself available having already other commitments, but I wanted to congratulate you on this beautiful recognition. Even if society forces us to wear colors when we want to help and defend our profession, we meet very often and I admire all the energy, time, and pugnacity you devote to our passion-filled job. See you very soon for new debates!" Or even: "Mr. President, I am honored by this invitation and I wish to congratulate you very warmly for your Mérite Agricole medal. I also wish to congratulate you, not having been able to do so previously, for the creation of your association Allo Agri which, I sincerely believe, acts for the common good and for a cause of which we speak all too little. Bravo! Your pugnacity and your struggles to defend the most vulnerable farmers."