[1966-2006: from occupational medicine to occupational health in agriculture]

Occupational medicine in agriculture was established in 1966 in a different and specific way as compared to occupational medicine in the commerce and industry social security scheme. The long preliminary debates resulted in the establishment of an occupational medicine for all farm employees and voluntary operators. This mission was entrusted to the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA), a French welfare agency, which directly hires specifically trained occupational physicians. In parallel, preventive medicine examinations have been implemented for those insured by the MSA. The order adopted on May 11th, 1982, a reference regulation regarding occupational medicine in agriculture, was amended by the reform adopted in 2004. Occupational health in agriculture is now codified in the rural law.