Pierre Lardinois
Pierre Lardinois | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | July 16, 1987 (aged 62) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, diplomat, agronomist |
| Years active | 1951–1986 |
| Known for | Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries, CEO of Rabobank |
Pierre Joseph Lardinois (13 August 1924 – 16 July 1987) was a Dutch statesman, diplomat, and expert in agronomy associated with the Catholic People's Party (KVP).
He pursued studies in Agronomy at Wageningen University and Research, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1947 and subsequently a Master of Science in Engineering in 1951. Between 1951 and 1960, Lardinois applied his agronomic expertise working for the local governments of Purmerend and Eindhoven. Following this, he acted as an agricultural attaché for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality stationed in London until 1963.
Lardinois entered the political arena as a Member of the House of Representatives starting in September 1963, concurrently holding a seat as a Member of the European Parliament. He led the North Brabant Christian Farmers' Association (NCB) from 1965 to 1967. After the 1967 elections, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, a position he maintained across several cabinets until January 1973. Additionally, from January 1972 onward, he fulfilled responsibilities as Minister for Suriname and Netherlands Antilles Affairs.
In December 1972, Lardinois was selected to serve as the Dutch European Commissioner, managing the Agriculture and Fisheries portfolios within the Ortoli Commission from January 1973 through January 1977. Upon stepping back from national politics, he assumed leadership roles in the private sector as CEO and Chairman of Rabobank from January 1977 until September 1986.
Recognized for his leadership capabilities and policy acumen, Lardinois continued to contribute political insights until his passing from cancer at age 62.
Decorations
| Ribbon bar | Honour | Country | Date | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre | Holy See | 15 April 1968 | ||
| Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II | Belgium | 19 May 1969 | ||
| Grand Officer of the Order of the Oak Crown | Luxembourg | 28 September 1970 | ||
| Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Netherlands | 8 June 1973 | ||
| Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour | France | 11 November 1974 | ||
| Knight Commander of the Order of Merit | Germany | 15 August 1976 | ||
| Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion | Netherlands | 1 January 1977 | ||
| Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit | France | 15 February 1977 | ||
| Grand Cordon of the Honorary Order of the Palm | Suriname | 25 April 1978 |
External links
- Official
- Ir. P.J. (Pierre) Lardinois Parlement & Politiek