Israelis Ask Georgia Agriculture Department to Participate in Anti-Terrorism Conference

News Date March 27, 2006

        Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has assigned one of his senior staff to speak at an antiterrorism conference in Israel later this month.
        Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Lee Myers will brief Israeli officials on steps taken by Georgia to prevent, and to respond to, terrorism involving agriculture.
        "This is our first such international conference involving another government," said Irvin. "I am pleased that agroterrorism will be discussed and that the Georgia Department of Agriculture will be making an important contribution to preventing agroterrorism internationally. The four-day conference beginning March 19, "Countering Terrorism--Sharing Experience and Expertise," is sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Security.
        While in Israel, Myers will meet with officials of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, including the chief veterinary officer, to discuss agriculture and food defense policy.
        "Like us, the Israelis realize the importance of agriculture and that it can be a target for terrorists. We all want to be proactive, alert and as watchful as possible, said Commissioner Irvin.
        "Following the 9-11 attacks, the Georgia Department of Agriculture began a plan of action to meet the challenge of potential attacks on the food supply or other agricultural sector. Because of our experience at the state level, it was only natural that we play an important role in global protection from people who deliberately seek to cause harm through terrorism or sabotage," said Irvin.
        Addressing another issue relating to agricultural terrorism, Irvin is taking an active role in the Georgia bid for the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. "Having a federal facility dedicated to agroterrorism would enhance the good work being done by our department, and other agencies and universities in our state. I was proud to be among the first constitutional officers to point out the importance of having such a facility in Georgia. We have been garnering support for the development of the facility ever since," said Irvin. (Contact: Public Affairs, 404/656-3689)