For 40 years, Élie di Russo has honored the agriculture of Hyères
The former deputy mayor of Hyères, honorary deputy, recently received the Mérite agricole medal.
On January 23rd, Élie di Russo was honored with the distinction of the Mérite agricole, a recognition particularly close to his heart. The son of agricultural workers, born in the old town of Hyères (rue Rabaton), he expressed great emotion during the ceremony upon this announcement, highlighting his pride and gratitude towards his parents, his family, and all those who work in the agricultural sector (see our article below).
DEEP BOND
From an early age, Élie di Russo cultivated a deep bond with the agricultural world. His childhood memories, particularly at l’Aufrêne with the "battle for water" at the Béal - Canal Jean Natte, and the gathering of buttercup leaves to make violet bouquets, bear witness to his early commitment. As a winegrower in Borrels and a member of the cooperative winery of La Londe-les-Maures, he has always been a fierce defender of local products, promoting the valley's wines and peaches at the time through the CIL des Borrels. His professional career in the Éducation nationale ("I owe everything to school," he confides) led him to become the principal of the hotel and tourism high school of Toulon, where he highlighted the department's only florist training program (CAP/BP) and built ties with the SICA Marché aux Fleurs de Hyères. Then, as deputy for Agriculture, Green Spaces, and Forests of the Ville de Hyères, he put agriculture at the heart of his actions. Indeed, elected to the city hall of Hyères in 1977 alongside Jean-Jacques Perron (senator-mayor), he always regarded his commitment as a mission in service to others.
A MISSION
"Being elected is not a job, but a mission," he asserts, emphasizing his dedication to his fellow citizens. Thus, from 2008 to 2020, he held the position of deputy for Agriculture, Green Spaces, and Forests. With the help and support of Mayor Jean-Pierre Giran, he invested himself in agriculture by creating the Comité Hyérois pour l’Agriculture and working with various organizations, agricultural institutions, and unions (SICA, Hyères Hortipole, Philaflor, SCRADH, Marché paysan, Chambre d’Agriculture, etc.). Not forgetting the agricultural high school Agricampus where, as vice-president of the Board of Directors, he appreciated the agricultural training, and of course the municipal agents of the agriculture, green spaces and forests department—a service of excellence—and the volunteers of the Comité Communal contre les Feux de Forêts (CCFF) whose efforts he highlights. In this regard, the former elected official has never failed to praise the tenacity and courage of these essential actors, of these male and female farmers who, with great selflessness and resilience, face growing challenges in a difficult context.
DNA OF HYÈRES
"I share this medal with everyone who believes in the future of agriculture," he declares, insisting on the importance of recognition and support for male and female farmers, recalling that agriculture is the DNA of Hyères and a pillar of its economy, even today. "Hyérois by birth, Hyérois at heart, I express my love for this exceptional municipality every day," concludes, a bit lyrically, the former special deputy of Borrels. •
Interview by Laurette PARAY Photo Philippe OLIVIER.