History

The Order of Agricultural Merit was created by the decree of July 7, 1883. The Order is one of only four specialized orders of merit that was not absorbed into the National Order of Merit in 1963.

The Order is conferred upon those who have performed exceptional agricultural service. This may include the practice of agriculture, or scientific research. The annual contingent is limited to 60 Commanders, 600 Officers, and 2000 Knights.

A Knight must be at least thirty years of age, and have at least 15 years of agricultural service. Knights may be promoted to Officer after 5 years, and Officers may be promoted to Commander after 10 years. At the time of its creation only the Knight grade existed. The Officer grade was added in 1887, and the Commander grade was added in 1900.

The obverse inscription translates to "French Republic," and the reverse inscription translates to "Agricultural Merit 1883."

The size of the Knight changed in 1999. There may be additional versions that vary in manufacturer, composition, size, or inscription.