James March-April 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 15
he continued. “This past fall we did the first Georgia
Grown Football Bowl between Georgia Southern and
Georgia State. This fall it will be played in Statesboro. It is
a platform that puts Georgia Grown before more consumers who may not know about its programs.”
“We do trade missions,” he added, “and I even went
to India last year to specifically promote pecans. There
are many opportunities around the globe to promote our
locally grown products.”
THE BIRD FLU PROBLEM
This past January the bird flu was found at two Elbert County farms, causing a quarantine to be imposed
around them which resulted in the destruction of tens
of thousands of chickens at the two sites. The poultry
industry, of course, has a huge economic impact totaling in the billions of dollars, and it naturally has been
having an impact on food prices. That’s why I asked the
commissioner for an update on how the department was
confronting a problem that started in the Third World
and migrated here.
Harper responded that the bird flu ramped up nationally during the past two years and impacted hundreds of
thousands of chickens. The big national picture is obviously significant— especially concerning the price of eggs.
Harper said his department has been working to get
the problem under control, emphasizing that “we took
firm action to make sure biosecurity is utilized to protect
ourselves. Biosecurity stresses safety measures regarding workplace sanitation procedures— and it can be as
simple as just washing hands during work hours. We are
implementing them, so I think Georgia is in a good place.
Containment is the key.”
In fact, just after our interview, tests were concluded
and the commissioner determined that the quarantines
could be lifted from the two Elbert County farms.
FINAL WORDS OF TRIBUTE
After my interview, I contacted the aforementioned
Jay Roberts, now working with the GeorgiaLink Public
Affairs Group. When I told him who would be named
James Magazine’s Georgian of the Year, he was compelled to email me a heartfelt testimonial about his
lifelong friend:
“Tyler is a natural leader. He was very articulate and
took advantage of the doors I first opened for him. In the
state Senate he was a great senator respected by all.
Now look at where he is now. He is a statewide constitutional officer. The Department of Agriculture has never
run as smoothly as it does today. He put a great team
in place, and they have been very successful. Tyler is a
super nice man, and a true statesman.”
Phil Kent is the CEO and publisher of James and James Magazine Online.
M A RC H //A PRIL 2025
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