Élie di Russo: "Max is a man passionate about his job"

I knew Max during my tenure as deputy for Agriculture and Green Spaces at the town hall of Hyères. I met a man who was passionate about his job and about defending farmers. I remember our mutual commitment, at the time, to defend palm trees attacked by the weevil. Max had spared no effort to find solutions. I remember the meetings, in the middle of summer, at the Borrels town hall with representatives of organizations fighting against the weevil. Max was always by my side in defending agriculture in the Hyères basin and farmers, notably within the extra-municipal agriculture commission that I had created. Through his many professional and union responsibilities, he always spoke the truth and always believed in the future of agriculture, fighting for our food security and the maintenance and enhancement of our natural spaces. He has a love for rural life and for people. This is how he set up Allo Agri to support farmers experiencing psychological and professional distress. This commitment is symbolic of the humanity of Max, who is always ready to help, even to the detriment of his personal situation and, sometimes, without expecting anything in return. Max, I salute you, a man of conviction, truth, and humanity. I do not forget the convinced and respectful republican that you are. Max, you have well deserved the recognition of the nation, and this Mérite Agricole medal could not be more deserved. Thank you, Max.