Georgia ag debate turns personal after challenger questions inspection drop – FOX 5 Atlanta

Georgia ag debate turns personal after challenger questions inspection drop  FOX 5 Atlanta

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Democratic challenger Catherine Juhan-Arnold traded sharp accusations. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Democratic challenger Catherine Juhan-Arnold (Campaign photos) ATLANTA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Democratic challenger Catherine Juhan-Arnold traded sharp accusations over plunging food inspection numbers and rural land preservation during a televised debate Thursday. Juhan-Arnold challenged the incumbent over state regulatory records, arguing that food business inspection coverage plummeted from 100% in 2022 to 55% in 2025. She asked why Harper had not kept his promises on food safety and rapid recall warnings. "There has been a 45% drop in inspections in 2025," Juhan-Arnold said, adding that international visitors for the FIFA World Cup did not trust local food.

"Those are the figures that your department gave the state." Harper strongly rejected the claim, maintaining that his agency has increased inspections while managing a 30% increase in regulated businesses with only 12% more staff. He described her attack on the agency's workforce as unacceptable. "I mean, I think it is a complete mischaracterization of the work that our people do at the department," Harper said. "And she’s criticizing the employees that I work with every single day for the work that they’re doing and protecting you and our families all across this state." "I will not stand for that," Harper