[1] It is a continuation of the earlier Ordine al Merito Agrario, Industriale e Commerciale founded in 1901.

[3] The origins of the order lie with King Umberto I who, in 1898, instituted "a decoration for agricultural and industrial merit and a medal of honour.

This was replaced by the Chivalrous or Knightly Order of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Merit in 1901, which was intended by Vittorio Emanuele III to give greater dignity to the earlier award.

Awarded in the single degree of Knight, the order is open to all Italians, living at home and overseas.

[5] The related Star of Merit for Labour, established in 1923, confers the title of Maestro del Lavoro.