History

The Medal of Honour for Agriculture was created on June 17, 1890. It is awarded to French citizens and foreigners for long and faithful service in the agricultural sector.

At the time of its creation the Medal had a bronze grade, a silver grade, and a gold grade. On July 25, 1901, the Bronze Medal and Gold Medal were suppressed and only the Silver Medal was conserved. In 1948 grades were re-introduced to resemble the grades of the Medal of Labour. Since 1948 these grades have included a Silver Medal, Gilt Medal, Gold Medal, and Large Gold Medal.

From 1883-1958 the Medal was awarded for 30 years of service. From 1958-1984 the Silver Medal was awarded for 25 years of service, the Gilt Medal was awarded for 35 years of service, the Gold Medal was awarded for 45 years of service, and the Large Gold Medal was awarded for 55 years of service. From 1984-2001 the Gold Medal was awarded for 38 years of service, and is currently awarded for 35 years of service. Since 1984 the Silver Medal has been awarded for 20 years of service, the Gilt Medal has been awarded for 30 years of service, and Large Gold Medal has been awarded for 40 years of service.

The Medal was originally suspended from a tricolour ribbon. On July 25, 2000 the ribbon was changed to a tricolour ribbon with green trim.

The Medal is classified into types. Type I includes the original grades until 1901, and the 1904-1948 Silver Medals version. Type II includes the grades after 1948.

There are two different versions of the Silver Medal that vary in engraving. Both have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic.” The first version has a reverse inscription that translates to “Ministry of Agriculture,” and the second version has a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour, Labour, Ministry of Agriculture.”