National Plant Board Recognizes Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection Division with Outstanding Team Performance Award

Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Plant Protection Division earned the National Plant Board’s (NPB) Outstanding Team Performance award for 2024. The division was recognized for exceptional performance in their efforts to trap, track, and eradicate the invasive Yellow-Legged Hornet from Georgia.

“I am incredibly proud of our Plant Protection Division’s dedication and the progress they have made in our efforts to eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet from Georgia,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Their commitment and expertise are essential to protecting Georgia’s pollinator populations and our state’s agricultural industry from the threat of the Yellow-legged hornet. This award is a testament to their expectional work, and I thank the National Plant Board for recognizing our team.”

The NPB, an association of state plant regulatory officials that collaborates closely with state and federal partners, presented the award on July 24, 2024, during their annual meeting in Grand Rapids, MI.

“I am incredibly proud of our PPD team; their dedication and hard work have truly been inspiring,” said Mike Evans, Director of the Plant Protection Division at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “I also want to thank NPB President Mia Kirk for acknowledging our efforts. This award highlights the significant impact of the team’s commitment to eradicating the Yellow-legged Hornet from Georgia.”

The Yellow-Legged Hornet is an invasive species that represent a significant threat to Georgia’s agriculture industry and the native pollinators that contribute more than $350 million to Georgia’s agricultural economy every year. The Plant Protection Division’s comprehensive effort-including tracking, trapping, and targeted eradication measures-has significantly curtailed the spread of this pest and plays a crucial role in protecting the state’s number 1 industry – agriculture.