Agricultural Merit Badge

The Agricultural Merit Badge was a decoration of the Tanoa Einsatzgruppen for distinguished practical results in cultivation or livestock husbandry. Its official names were Distintivo al Mérito Agrícola in Spanish and Ehrenzeichen für landwirtschaftliche Verdienste in German. It was established under Eef Paap's honours reform of 6 November 1987 and had one class.

Eligibility

Tanoan citizens and subjects working on state or private farms were eligible. Agricultural specialists were assessed on the same terms as workers and managers. A contribution at a single farm could qualify, including improved methods or disease control. Awards depended on personal achievement rather than length of employment. Neither ownership nor meeting a quota qualified by itself.

The badge recognized practical application. Scientific discoveries could qualify for the National Prize for Science and Technology, while work on an irrigation scheme could independently qualify for the National Construction Cross under its service rules. A separate productive achievement on the same undertaking could qualify for the Eef Paap Labour Merit Cross.

Nomination and award

Territorial administrations and agricultural authorities nominated candidates through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The ministry checked the results behind each nomination. Crop claims needed yield comparisons that accounted for growing conditions. Veterinary claims needed evidence of disease control or improved animal health. Irrigation, soil management and practical instruction were judged by their agricultural results.

Cases were considered throughout the year without an annual quota. The chancellery checked the records and conferred the badge in the Führer's name. It could be awarded once, after checks of eligibility and earlier awards. Completed achievements from before its establishment remained eligible when their dates were documented. Posthumous awards required the same evidence of agricultural merit.

Insignia

The silver-coloured oval badge showed a plough between cereal ears beneath the state eagle and swastika. Its reverse bore Al mérito agrícola and Für landwirtschaftliche Verdienste. It was worn on the left breast from an ochre-yellow ribbon with narrow dark-green edges. A plain ribbon bar represented it on ordinary uniform.

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of the Tanoa Einsatzgruppen