Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Plant Protection Division has earned the National Plant Board’s (NPB) Outstanding Team Performance award for 2024. The division was recognized for exceptional performance in their effort 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 effort to eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet from Georgia,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Their commitment and strategic efforts have been vital to protecting Georgia’s pollinator populations and our state 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 with the potential to impact Georgia's agriculture severely. The Plant Protection Division's comprehensive effort—including tracking, trapping, and targeted eradication measures—has significantly curtailed the spread of this pest and played a crucial role in protecting the state's number 1 industry - agriculture.