Max Bauer decorated with the medal of Knight in the Ordre du Mérite Agricole

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n a relaxed atmosphere, the trade unionist and director of a parks and gardens business 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 the Var, Father Louis Marie, former parish priest 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 vice-president of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole of the Var, recalled their common roots: “We both come from the North, I mean North Africa, of course! You from Morocco, from the white city of Casablanca, and me from Alger the White, and we unpacked our bags in this magnificent department of the Var (...)”. He added: “Being a member of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole, as for the Légion d’honneur or the Mérite national, confers no material rights but moral duties. We must be examples for everyone around us and for the young generation who 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 also have added the late Michel Blanc, who has just left us.

HUMANISTIC CULTURE

It was 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, indeed very well. In a poignant speech, the president of the Department confessed: “It is an immense honor to present you with this emeritus distinction. I know your career, which has been marked by absolute and tireless dedication, because the Var and agriculture are closely linked. Farmers know this well, as they have placed their trust in you for over twenty years.” The president recalled that the trade unionist was behind the creation of the Allo Agri association, which helps farmers overcome distress, and that his commitment is not based solely on trade union motives but also on humanistic commitments as a practicing Catholic. A humanistic culture turned towards others.