Candidates for Agriculture Commissioner Debate in Atlanta
The George-Anne Media Group
STATESBORO, GEORGIA | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
Incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Democratic candidate Katherine Juhan-Arnold participated in a debate at Georgia Public Broadcasting headquarters in Atlanta, focusing on key issues concerning Georgians, including data center development and the Cyclospora outbreak.
Data Center Development
Both candidates expressed concerns about data center development in rural Georgia, highlighting water usage, energy costs, and farmland loss as primary issues. They agreed that development should be slowed.
Cyclospora Outbreak
Although the outbreak did not originate in Georgia, the candidates discussed how to address consumer confidence issues in agricultural products within the state.
"Our department immediately reacted to ensure Georgians knew," said Harper. "At the end of the day, we, as an agency, have a responsibility: ensuring that the food supply within our state is safe."
Juhan-Arnold agreed, emphasizing the need for clear warnings during recalls: "You need to know what product, what danger, and what it could do."
Post-Debate
Following the debate, Juhan-Arnold answered questions from the press, emphasizing emergency and incident preparedness for the agricultural sector. Harper declined to participate in a post-debate press conference.
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