The farmers awarded at the 2019 International Agricultural Show, as well as those awarded at the 2018 departmental cheese and olive oil competitions, were received in the gardens of the Alpes-Maritimes departmental council by President Charles Ange Ginésy, in the presence of Deputy Eric Ciotti, and Michel Dessus, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Chamber of Agriculture, for an exceptional awards ceremony.
Viticulturists, beekeepers, olive growers, cheesemakers… A large number of farmers were honored at the 2019 Paris General Agricultural Competition at the International Agricultural Show. Twelve of them represented Alpes-Maritimes and collectively won a total of 18 medals:
- Olive products: 10 medals
- Honey: 4 medals
- Bellet wines: 2 medals
- Jams: 2 medals
Achievements were praised by Michel Dessus, President of the Alpes-Maritimes Chamber of Agriculture, present at the ceremony, “This is the result of a whole year’s work that constitutes real added value and a showcase for the farmers.”
The farmers received recognition for the high-quality work they perform daily. “Farmers deserve all our admiration and recognition because they preserve the richness of our land, perpetuate ancestral know-how while constantly seeking innovation, and ensure the excellence of local productions daily,” stated Michel Ange Ginésy, who added, “Support for farmers and the awards we are presenting today are part of our GREEN Deal policy. This represents a commitment to fighting climate change, combating pollution, in order to preserve our region and stimulate our local agriculture.”
Additionally, the Department continues to commit to local agriculture, which includes nearly 1700 farms and utilizes 162,000 hectares. This commitment also involves the protection of agricultural heritage, as Eric Ciotti explains: “In this department structured between the sea and the mountains, we have traditions, an agricultural history, and a heritage that has shaped our territory. Today, we have the duty to defend, protect, and pass on our agriculture, which is at the heart of our identity.”
